Banyuls Grand Cru 2012, L'Etoile
Banyuls Grand Cru 2012, L'Etoile
Price: 75,00€
DESCRIPTION
History
Founded in 1921, the Cave de l’Étoile is the oldest cooperative in Banyuls. It has preserved a unique know-how, passed down from generation to generation, to reveal the full richness of natural sweet wines. The 2012 vintage, awarded 2 stars in the Guide Hachette 2022, is a testament to this recognized excellence.
Vinification
Hand-harvested on the steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, the grapes are destemmed and crushed. After mutage on the skins and a long maceration (15 to 20 days), the wine is pressed before being aged in oak casks. In accordance with the appellation, a Grand Cru requires a minimum of 30 months of aging, often extended to refine both power and elegance.
Tasting Notes
The 2012 reveals aromas of ripe cherry, enriched with notes of dried fruits, prune, and blond tobacco. On the palate, the wine is dense and powerful yet remains elegant, supported by a fine tannic structure. Perfect with chocolate desserts, duck with figs, or aged cheeses. A Banyuls Grand Cru already superb, with a long and promising aging potential.
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.
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Several years of aging have revealed the exceptional finesse and roundness of this 2012 – a Grand Cru with perfect harmony between candied fruits and spices.