Vin Doux Naturel

Advanced Wine Styles & Types

van DOO nah-too-REL

Definition

French naturally sweet fortified wine.

In Depth

Made by adding grape spirit during fermentation (mutage) to preserve natural sweetness. Despite the name ('naturally sweet'), the spirit addition is the key intervention. Major styles: Banyuls and Maury (red, Grenache-based), Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Muscat de Rivesaltes (white, Muscat). Rancio-style VDN are deliberately oxidized for nutty, complex character.

Details

Category
Wine Styles & Types
Difficulty
Advanced
Pronunciation
van DOO nah-too-REL

Part of the Beverage FYI Family

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