Definition: Natural sweet wine (VDN)

98% of natural sweet wines produced in France come from wine-growing regions close to the Mediterranean. They must meet very specific production standards based on local, fair and consistent practices: the grapes must come from vines located within a defined area with a yield not exceeding 40 hl/ha. The must must contain at least 252 grams of sugar per litre (approx. 14.5% potential alcohol). The proportion of alcohol added at the time of fortification must be between 5 and 10% of the volume of must used, when fermentation has already converted slightly more than half of the natural sugar. Fortification must be carried out before 31 December following the harvest. The finished product must have an actual alcohol content of between 15 and 18°, i.e. the alcohol actually present, and a minimum total alcohol content of 21.5°, including the actual alcohol and the potential alcohol.

Only four basic grape varieties can be used to produce VDNs: Grenache, Macabeu, Muscat and Malvoisie. Certain other varieties such as Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah may be included in the composition of the plots, but only as a blend and now at a maximum of 10%. Finally, mixed plantings of fruit trees and vines, which are sometimes found in Roussillon, are prohibited for the production of VDNs.

For VDNs made from Muscat grape varieties, every effort is made to preserve the freshness of the grape's aromas. It is important to protect them from oxidation by bottling them very quickly. They should be consumed young. Other VDNs (Banyuls, Rivesaltes, Maury, Rasteau, etc.) reach their full potential after a period of maturation during which oxidation-reduction processes play an important role in transforming the bouquet. They are stored in containers that promote this evolution: demijohns, oak barrels or incompletely filled vats give these wines a complex bouquet, in which the aromas of prunes, cocoa and coffee dominate, and they acquire a beautiful amber colour. All VDNs in this category have a very long ageing potential.