Banyuls Traditionnel 1949, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1949, L'Etoile
Price: 835,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
An exceptional vintage, the Banyuls Traditionnel 1949 has surpassed 75 years of oxidative aging. Born on the steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, it is the result of the heroic work of the winemakers of the Cave de l’Étoile, a pioneering estate founded in 1921. A true collector’s item, this bottle embodies the living history of Roussillon and the timeless nobility of aged natural sweet wines.
Vinification
This Banyuls is made primarily from Grenache noir, complemented by Grenache gris and Carignan. The winemaking follows tradition: hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and crushed, mutage on the skins to preserve natural sugars, long maceration, then vertical pressing. Oxidative aging in old casks and century-old barrels over decades has crafted an unparalleled aromatic complexity.
Tasting Notes
The deep mahogany color gives way to a bouquet of rare intensity: walnut, leather, toasted dried fruits, cocoa, mocha, and noble rancio. On the palate, the velvety richness is balanced by preserved freshness, offering an endless, contemplative finish. This 1949 Banyuls is an oenological treasure, to be savored alone to fully appreciate its depth or paired with an aged blue cheese, a bitter chocolate dessert, or caramelized dried fruits.
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.
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A silky depth where walnut, coffee, and gentle spices intertwine: a wine that speaks directly to the senses.