Banyuls

The typical vineyards of Banyuls et le cling to the steep terraces of the Pyrenees that tumble into the Mediterranean on the border between France and Spain. The 1300 hectares of vines cover the communes of Banyuls sur Mer, Collioure, Port Vendres and Cerbère. Production is divided between Banyuls (9,500 hectolitres) and Banyuls Grand Cru (around 3,500 hectolitres). The terroir lies on Cambian grey schist soils, and the vines are planted on steep slopes or on very narrow terraces backed by low walls facing the sea. The grape varieties used are Grenache blanc and Grenache gris for the whites and Grenache rouge and Grenache gris for the reds.

Banyuls are vinified by direct pressing or maceration, and aged in bottles, foudres, barrels, demi-muids or glass carboys. They evolve over time to bring out a wide range of colors and aromas, in sweet, semi-sweet or dry types. Some even possess the famous "rancio" tastes, those distinctive aromas that can only come from long, patient ageing in an oxidizing environment. These characteristics can be found in some of the vintages offered by Domaine de la Rectorie, Domaine Coume del Mas and Domaine du Mas Blanc.

There are several types of Banyuls wine. Traditional" Banyuls, the most common, symbolize the great tradition, and are tiled wines aged in an oxidizing environment for many years. Rimage" or "Vintage" Banyuls, made only in the best vintages, are long-macerated, extracted wines mutated on grapes. To preserve their fruitiness, freshness and power, they are bottled quickly (6 to 12 months after harvest). Banyuls Rimage or Mise Tardive "Vintage" wines are made on the same principle as the previous ones, and are aged for one to three years in foudres or toasted barrels to round out the tannins and refine the aromas, which then acquire fabulous complexity. Last but not least, Banyuls blanc, with its brilliant straw-yellow color and floral notes mingling with citrus and white fruits. Traditionally, the best cuvées are aged to produce golden Banyuls, also known as amber Banyuls.