Banyuls Traditionnel 1980, L'Etoile
Banyuls Traditionnel 1980, L'Etoile
Price: 305,00€
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History
The 1980 vintage illustrates the resilience of Banyuls vines clinging to the schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean. Aged for more than three decades, this vin doux naturel showcases the art of long aging, where each year in barrel enriches its aromatic complexity.
Vinification
A blend of Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, and Carignan from old vines grown on terraced slopes. Grapes were destemmed and crushed, fermentation was halted by fortification (mutage) on the skins, followed by prolonged maceration. Oxidative aging took place in old barrels and demi-muids until bottling in January 2016.
Tasting Notes
Amber-colored robe with copper highlights, preceding a complex nose of toasted dried fruits, walnut, cocoa, coffee, and noble rancio notes. On the palate, a broad attack balances sweetness and freshness, revealing persistent flavors of prune, gentle spices, and mocha. Best enjoyed with aged Comté, poached pear in spiced wine, or a chocolate-orange dessert.
Price: 305,00€
History
The 1980 vintage illustrates the resilience of Banyuls vines clinging to the schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean. Aged for more than three decades, this vin doux naturel showcases the art of long aging, where each year in barrel enriches its aromatic complexity.
Vinification
A blend of Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, and Carignan from old vines grown on terraced slopes. Grapes were destemmed and crushed, fermentation was halted by fortification (mutage) on the skins, followed by prolonged maceration. Oxidative aging took place in old barrels and demi-muids until bottling in January 2016.
Tasting Notes
Amber-colored robe with copper highlights, preceding a complex nose of toasted dried fruits, walnut, cocoa, coffee, and noble rancio notes. On the palate, a broad attack balances sweetness and freshness, revealing persistent flavors of prune, gentle spices, and mocha. Best enjoyed with aged Comté, poached pear in spiced wine, or a chocolate-orange dessert.
France
Entre mer et montagne, les vignes de Banyuls, en AOC depuis 1936, s’accrochent aux coteaux de schiste qui plongent vers la Méditerranée. Ce décor spectaculaire, baigné de soleil et de vent, façonne des vins doux naturels généreux et intenses. L’appellation produit surtout des rouges à base de Grenache noir, complétés par le Grenache gris et blanc, mais aussi des versions ambrées, tuilées ou rosées.
Banyuls se décline en plusieurs styles. Le Banyuls Rimage, vinifié et élevé à l’abri de l’air, met en avant toute la fraîcheur du fruit, avec des arômes de cerise, de mûre ou de cassis, parfois chocolatés. Accessible jeune, il brille sur le chocolat noir, les desserts fruités ou certains fromages bleus. À l’inverse, les Banyuls Traditionnels et Grands Crus subissent un long élevage oxydatif en fût ou en bonbonne, développant des notes complexes de noix, café, épices et rancio. Les Grands Crus, issus de vieilles vignes et vieillis au minimum 30 mois, se distinguent par leur profondeur et leur grand potentiel de garde.
Bruno Cazes – Oenologist and Artisan of the Great Wines of Roussillon
Born on the steep slopes of Banyuls, the 1980 vintage is a vin doux naturel aged for over 30 years in old barrels. Its amber-colored robe reveals a nose of dried fruits, cocoa, and rancio. On the palate, it combines sweetness and freshness with notes of prune, mocha, and spices. Ideal with aged Comté or a chocolate dessert.