Welcome to our collection of vintage Banyuls, selected with Bruno Cazes, leading specialist of Roussillon terroirs. Unique bottles that span decades and reveal the Mediterranean soul of this heroic vineyard.
Banyuls Vineyard and Terroirs
Nestled on steep slopes plunging into the Mediterranean, Banyuls vines rest on schist soils, worked in terraces. This vineyard sculpted by hand through generations of winemakers offers a striking wine tourism spectacle, between sea and mountains.
The term "heroic vineyard" is not overused: here, vines grow on steep slopes, supported by dry stone walls, facing the Mediterranean. No tractors can operate: all work is done by hand, sometimes with the help of mules. It's this meticulous, almost artisanal labor that forges Banyuls' identity and gives them rare intensity.
Banyuls Grape Varieties
Grenache Noir is the king grape variety. It concentrates in its berries the heat of the sun and the minerality of schist, giving wines power and velvetiness. It brings aromas of candied dark fruits, cocoa and noble rancio with age. Grenache Gris and Blanc enrich the aromatic palette with finer touches, while Carignan and Syrah provide structure and complexity as supplements.
Vinification and Aging
Banyuls is born from mutage on grains, which preserves the natural sugar of the grape. This is followed by long oxidative aging, in large oak casks, century-old barrels or demijohns, sometimes for several decades. This process creates complex aromas of dried fruits, cocoa, coffee, honey and noble rancio.
Types of Banyuls
- Banyuls Traditional: Long aged in oxidative environment, rich and complex.
- Banyuls Grand Cru: Made from the finest grapes, aged at least 30 months in barrel.
- Banyuls Rimage: More fruity style, vinified under reduction.
- White and Rosé Banyuls: Rarer expressions but full of freshness.
Domains in Our Collection
Our collection highlights L'Étoile cellar, historic cooperative founded in 1921, which preserves vintages since 1945. Its Banyuls Traditional and Banyuls Grand Cru are among the finest testimonies of time.
We also offer more recent cuvées from the Adrien Cazes collection, an alliance of tradition and modernity.
The Magic of Old Banyuls
A Banyuls from 1945, 1966 or 1989 is not just a wine: it's a fragment of liquid history. These rare bottles offer unparalleled aromatic depth, where candied fruits, rancio, leather and spices blend. These are true meditation wines that remind us that years of aging cannot be bought.
To offer, to taste alone, to share with loved ones now or in several years, discover 3 cuvées from our exclusive collection:
- Banyuls 1975: Half a century of history in a bottle, perfect to give as a gift to an enthusiast.
- Banyuls 1966: An exceptional vintage, awarded the maximum score of 20/20 by RVF.
- Banyuls Traditional Adrien Cazes 2015: For your child's birth year, a gift that sounds like a promise of future tasting together.
Tasting Moments
- As aperitif: A young Banyuls with tapas, charcuterie or aged cheeses.
- As digestif: An old vintage, to savor slowly like a great cognac.
- With cheeses and desserts: Perfect with blues, dark chocolate, fig tart or crème brûlée.
- For special occasions: Anniversary, Christmas, Father's Day... Offering a vintage Banyuls is offering a piece of history.
Whether you're looking for a collectible wine, a birth gift or simply an ideal companion for your finest meals, vintage Banyuls embody the elegance and memory of Roussillon terroirs.
FAQ
What is a Banyuls? A sweet wine (VDN) made mainly from grenache, produced on the Côte Vermeille, in Roussillon.
What's the difference between a Banyuls Traditional and a Banyuls Grand Cru? Grand Cru requires more selected grapes and minimum 30 months aging, for increased complexity.
How long can you keep a Banyuls? Old Banyuls can be kept for over 100 years and gain complexity with time.
What dishes pair with Banyuls? Charcuterie, game, blue cheeses, dark chocolate or desserts with dried fruits.
Why offer a vintage Banyuls? Because it's a rare and heritage wine, making an exceptional gift to celebrate an anniversary or birth year.
