Banyuls Traditionnel 1954, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1954, L'Etoile
Price: 680,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
The 1954 vintage, soon to be 70 years old, embodies the living memory of the heroic Banyuls vineyard. On these steep schist slopes swept by the Tramontane wind, the winemakers of the Cave de l’Étoile have been preserving the art of great sweet wines since 1921. This rare Banyuls, the result of half a century of oxidative aging, reflects both the history of the terroir and the infinite patience of time.
Vinification
Made primarily from Grenache Noir, complemented by Grenache Gris and Carignan, this sweet wine was vinified according to tradition: hand-harvested grapes, destemmed and crushed, followed by mutage on the grapes to preserve natural sugars, prolonged maceration, and vertical pressing. Oxidative aging in old foudres and century-old barrels shaped its unique aromatic complexity.
Tasting Notes
Its deep tile-acajou color announces an intense bouquet of walnuts, coffee, dried figs, and spices, highlighted by a noble rancio of rare elegance. On the palate, richness and sweetness are balanced by surprising freshness, leading to a long, harmonious finish. A true meditation wine, this 1954 is a collectible bottle, ideal for gifting or savoring alone, with aged Roquefort or a chocolate dessert.
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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1954 is discreet elegance: a wine for contemplation and refinement.