Banyuls Traditionnel 1957, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1957, L'Etoile
Price: 645,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
Produced over 65 years ago, the Banyuls Traditionnel 1957 reflects the heroic work of the winemakers at the Cave de l’Étoile. On the steep schist slopes swept by the Tramontane wind, old Grenache and Carignan vines gave birth to this rare collectible wine, preserved through long oxidative aging. This bottle illustrates Banyuls’ ability to traverse decades without losing intensity.
Vinification
Composed mainly of Grenache noir, complemented by Grenache gris and Carignan, this naturally sweet wine was vinified according to tradition: hand-harvested, destemmed and crushed grapes, mutage on the skins to preserve part of the natural sugars, prolonged maceration, and pressing in a vertical press. Aging in old casks and century-old barrels under oxidative conditions gradually shaped its aromatic profile.
Tasting Notes
The deep amber robe with copper highlights precedes a complex nose of walnuts, dried fruits, cocoa, coffee, and leather notes. On the palate, it delights with a balance of sweetness and freshness, featuring persistent flavors of fig, spices, and mocha. A wine for meditation of great elegance, perfect as a gift and to enjoy with aged cheeses or a dark chocolate tart.
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:
A heritage Banyuls, full of balance and depth.