Banyuls Traditionnel 1987, L'Etoile
DESCRIPTION
History
A sunny vintage, the 1987 Banyuls Traditionnel from the Cave de l’Étoile embodies the excellence of a century-old vineyard, shaped on the steep schist slopes overlooking the Mediterranean. Made from old vines of Black and Grey Grenache, complemented by Carignan, this natural sweet wine showcases the ancestral expertise of the cooperative, heir to a unique winemaking heritage. Bottled in January 2016, it reflects nearly thirty years of patience and a rare art of aging.
Vinification
The grapes, crushed and destemmed, underwent mutage on the skins after fermentation, followed by an extended three-week maceration. Pressed in traditional vertical presses, the wine was then aged in an oxidative environment in old demi-muids and century-old barrels, where it slowly developed its aromatic complexity and the patina of a great wine for aging.
Tasting Notes
Its deep tawny color signals an intense bouquet of dried figs, toasted walnuts, leather, and spices, lifted by subtle notes of noble rancio. On the palate, full-bodied and velvety, it combines sweetness and freshness in remarkable balance, with a long finish accented by mocha and candied orange peel. An ideal vintage to enjoy with chocolate fondant, walnut tart, or, for the adventurous, a well-aged cheese such as Roquefort.
Region
Roussillon
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.
Aged for nearly thirty years in demi-muids, this 1987 Banyuls blends dried fig, toasted walnut, leather, and spices, enhanced by a subtle rancio. The full-bodied, balanced palate finishes with a long mocha and candied orange note. Perfect with dark chocolate or strong cheeses.
Banyuls Traditionnel 1987 L’Étoile, aged 30 years – Vinodelice