Banyuls Traditionnel 1989, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1989, L'Etoile
Price: 160,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
Since 1921, the Cave de l’Étoile has been one of the emblems of the Banyuls vineyard. Its winemakers craft, by hand and on steep schist slopes, natural sweet wines that tell the story of the Mediterranean. With terraces lined with stone walls and plots sometimes accessible only by mule, the estate embodies the rigor and passion of a unique terroir. The 1989 vintage, aged for more than 25 years in old oak casks, perfectly reflects the soul of traditional Banyuls.
Vinification
Made from old-vine Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, and Carignan, this wine was produced according to the traditional method of Vins Doux Naturels: destemmed harvest, mutage on the skins during fermentation, then extended maceration for three weeks. Pressing was carried out with vertical hydraulic presses. Aging in half-muids and nearly century-old barrels allowed for slow oxygenation, giving the wine its complexity and rancio nuances.
Tasting Notes
Its tile-red color with mahogany highlights signals great maturity. The nose is rich with dried fruits, cocoa, mocha, honey, and spices, enhanced by elegant notes of walnut and leather. On the palate, power combines with balancing freshness, offering a long, harmonious finish. Served at 16–18 °C, this Banyuls pairs beautifully with dark chocolate fondant, candied orange peel, or strong blue cheese. Each sip is a journey through history and time.
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:
This 1989 Banyuls from L’Étoile, long-aged, reveals a mahogany color and deep aromas of fig, cocoa, walnut, and leather. Balancing power and saline freshness, it reflects the memory of Roussillon. Perfect with dark chocolate or blue cheese.