Roussillon

The appellation is located in the Roussillon wine-growing region in France, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains on the border with Spain. It is the most southerly appellation in France, and its borders coincide geographically with those of the AC Collioure. The vineyards have a total area of 1.400 hectares, and are located on the steep slopes on the Mediterranean coast. The vineyards are located in the four communes of Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbère, Collioure and Port-Vendres. One of the most famous sweet fortified vin doux naturel wines is produced here. The poor soils ensure yields are extremely low, below 20 hl/ha. The grapes become very ripe, and frequently shrivel like raisins while still on the vine. In some cases, spirits are already added while the must is still on the skins (mutage sur grains), which brings about an intense extraction of colour and flavours. Frequent racking ensures extensive cntact with oxygen, leading to an oxidative style of wine. However, some variants are also produced without this extensive oxygen contact. Depending on how they are made, there are white, rosé and red versions available. They are all made with a minimum of 50% of Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Macabéo, Tourbat, Muscat Blanc and Muscat d´Alexandrie, and are blended with a maximum of 10% of Carignan, Cinsaut and Syrah.

The AC Banyuls Rancio applies to wines that have been matured for a minimum of two years in oak barrels that are exposed to sunshine. These often develop an amber colour, and have the typical rancio maturation note. The AC Banyuls Grand Cru applies to wines that are made from a minimum of 75% Grenache Noir, are made from destemmed grapes, and were matured for a minimum of 30 months in oak barrels. In addition there is an AC Banyuls Grand Cru Rancio. When appropriately made, Banyuls is extremely long-lived, and resembles port wine. It has an intense nose and flavour of coffee, honey, vanilla and dried fruit. Wines from particularly good vintages are described as “Rimage” on the label. The name is derived from the Catalan word „rime“ (grape) and means the same as vintage. Well-known producers include Cellier des Templiers, Chapoutier, Château de Jau, Clos des Paulille, the CV l´Étoile co-operative, Domaine de la Casa Blanca, Domaine de la Rectorie, Domaine de la Tour Vieille, Domaine du Tragnier, Domaine du Mas Blanc and Domaine Vial-Magnières. Other VDN AC’s in Roussillon are Maury, Muscat de Rivesaltes and Rivesaltes.