Banyuls Grand Cru 2014, L'Etoile
Banyuls Grand Cru 2014, L'Etoile
Price: 25,83€
DESCRIPTION
History
For over a century, the Cave de l’Étoile has stood out as one of the leading references of the Banyuls appellation. Nestled on the steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, it continues the art of producing great natural sweet wines. The 2014 vintage, adorned with numerous awards—including several gold medals at the Concours Mondial Féminalise and the Mâcon Competition—demonstrates this recognized expertise.
Vinification
Produced from old vines over 40 years old, this Grand Cru blends Grenache Noir (75%), Grenache Gris (15%), and Carignan Noir (10%). The grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed, then subjected to mutage on the skins, followed by three weeks of maceration in alcohol to concentrate richness and complexity. Aging takes place in demi-muids and old oak barrels, in accordance with Banyuls Grand Cru requirements, which mandate a minimum of 30 months of maturation.
Tasting Notes
A demi-sweet style, this 2014 captivates with refined fruitiness featuring notes of orange and light cocoa. The palate is both ample and balanced, stretching into an elegant and persistent finish. It shines as an aperitif, with a Fourme d’Ambert or aged sheep’s cheese, and pairs beautifully with chocolate or coffee-based desserts such as a fondant or an Opéra. An award-winning vintage that combines immediate pleasure with excellent aging potential.
REGION
Roussillon
France
Between sea and mountain, the vines of Banyuls, an AOC since 1936, cling to schist slopes that plunge down to the Mediterranean. This spectacular setting, bathed in sun and wind, shapes generous, intense vins doux naturels. The appellation mainly produces reds from Grenache Noir, completed by Grenache Gris and Blanc, as well as amber, tawny and rosé versions.
Banyuls comes in several styles. Banyuls Rimage, made and aged away from air, shows all the freshness of the fruit, with aromas of cherry, blackberry or blackcurrant, sometimes with a touch of chocolate. Approachable young, it shines with dark chocolate, fruit desserts and some blue cheeses. By contrast, Banyuls Traditionnel and Grand Cru go through long oxidative ageing in cask or glass demijohn, developing complex notes of walnut, coffee, spice and rancio. The Grands Crus, from old vines and aged for at least 30 months, stand out for their depth and great ageing potential.
Recommended for you:
The Banyuls Grand Cru 2014 from L’Étoile enchants with its fruity balance and notes of orange and cocoa, perfect as an aperitif or with a decadent dessert.