Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile
Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile
Price: 61,00€
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History
For over a century, the Cave de l’Étoile has embodied the excellence of Roussillon’s sweet wines. Nestled in the heart of the heroic schist vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean, it produces long-aging cuvées, including this 1994 vintage, a testament to the richness and tradition of Banyuls Grand Cru.
Vinification
Hand-harvested on steep terraces, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before undergoing mutage on the skins and a long maceration in alcohol. After pressing, the wine ages in old oak casks, well beyond the 30 months required by the appellation. This extended oxidative aging gives it depth, complexity, and the signature rancio character that defines great Banyuls.
Tasting Notes
This sweet wine displays a mahogany hue. The nose captivates with aromas of candied orange, walnut, and coffee, evolving towards dried fruits as it opens. On the palate, it is both powerful and balanced, finishing long and warm. It pairs beautifully with foie gras, chocolate desserts, or simply a square of dark chocolate at the end of a meal. A vintage of character, combining elegance and intensity.
Price: 61,00€
History
For over a century, the Cave de l’Étoile has embodied the excellence of Roussillon’s sweet wines. Nestled in the heart of the heroic schist vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean, it produces long-aging cuvées, including this 1994 vintage, a testament to the richness and tradition of Banyuls Grand Cru.
Vinification
Hand-harvested on steep terraces, the grapes are destemmed and crushed before undergoing mutage on the skins and a long maceration in alcohol. After pressing, the wine ages in old oak casks, well beyond the 30 months required by the appellation. This extended oxidative aging gives it depth, complexity, and the signature rancio character that defines great Banyuls.
Tasting Notes
This sweet wine displays a mahogany hue. The nose captivates with aromas of candied orange, walnut, and coffee, evolving towards dried fruits as it opens. On the palate, it is both powerful and balanced, finishing long and warm. It pairs beautifully with foie gras, chocolate desserts, or simply a square of dark chocolate at the end of a meal. A vintage of character, combining elegance and intensity.
France
Entre mer et montagne, les vignes de Banyuls, en AOC depuis 1936, s’accrochent aux coteaux de schiste qui plongent vers la Méditerranée. Ce décor spectaculaire, baigné de soleil et de vent, façonne des vins doux naturels généreux et intenses. L’appellation produit surtout des rouges à base de Grenache noir, complétés par le Grenache gris et blanc, mais aussi des versions ambrées, tuilées ou rosées.
Banyuls se décline en plusieurs styles. Le Banyuls Rimage, vinifié et élevé à l’abri de l’air, met en avant toute la fraîcheur du fruit, avec des arômes de cerise, de mûre ou de cassis, parfois chocolatés. Accessible jeune, il brille sur le chocolat noir, les desserts fruités ou certains fromages bleus. À l’inverse, les Banyuls Traditionnels et Grands Crus subissent un long élevage oxydatif en fût ou en bonbonne, développant des notes complexes de noix, café, épices et rancio. Les Grands Crus, issus de vieilles vignes et vieillis au minimum 30 mois, se distinguent par leur profondeur et leur grand potentiel de garde.
Bruno Cazes – Oenologist and Artisan of the Great Wines of Roussillon
A mahogany Grand Cru with aromas of orange and walnut, perfect with chocolate or foie gras… and all your indulgent cravings!