Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile
Banyuls Grand Cru 1994, 'Sélect Vieux', L'Etoile
Price: 61,00€
DESCRIPTION
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.
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 mahogany Grand Cru with aromas of orange and walnut, perfect with chocolate or foie gras… and all your indulgent cravings!