1–0 of 0
Rivairenc (also known as Aspiran) is an exceptionally rare and historic grape variety from the Languedoc region in France. It produces remarkably light, low-alcohol, and highly refreshing red and rosé wines. It is a wonderful discovery for those seeking elegant, unheavy, and crisp French drinks for their everyday table.
Read moreDue to drastically reduced plantings, finding a 100% Rivairenc wine is a real challenge. Today, the best regional artisans are reviving it both as a solo drink and as a blending component.
When produced as a single-varietal wine, it surprises with a very pale ruby color, and aromas of wild berries and subtle spices. In the Languedoc and Minervois appellations, Rivairenc is often blended with Cinsault, Syrah, or Grenache to provide heavy blends with more crisp acidity, perfumed aromas, and to reduce overall alcohol content.
Because of its exceptional lightness and soft tannins, this wine can be perfectly served slightly chilled. It pairs flawlessly with light Mediterranean snacks (tapas), roasted poultry, fresh summer vegetable salads, charcuterie boards, and even lightly prepared fish.
In the late 19th and 20th centuries, when the Languedoc region focused massively on producing high-yield, deeply colored, and high-alcohol wines, Rivairenc appeared too "light" and insufficiently intense. Consequently, most vineyards were uprooted. Today, as wine trends return to elegance and lower alcohol, this historic variety is becoming highly sought after again.
No, Rivairenc wines are not suited for long-term cellaring. Their greatest charm lies in their primary, crisp fruitiness and light structure, so it is best to taste these wines fresh, within 1–3 years of the harvest.
