Michel Chapoutier is a well known and reputed wine maker from the Rhône valley - many probably know him for his Châteauneuf-du-Pape or his remarkable Condrieu, I dare say few know him for this little wine.
Banyuls is the most southerly appellation in France, down in the Languedoc-Roussillon where the heat beats down over many months of glorious sunshine on the little grenache grapes, which produce this wine.
This is a Vin doux naturel (or VDN - Natural Sweet Wine) not dissimilar to the wines of Rivesaltes. At 16%, I was expecting a slight headache the next day, which I didn't get - so that's a plus point in my book.
The wine has a stewed raisin nose with slight aromas of Pedró Ximinès sherry and once tasted dark chocolate notes leap onto the tongue and coat it in a layer of coffee and almonds. Mmm Mmm.
With the winter days closing in and with the last few days of ice-cool white wine drinking coming to an end (although a bottle of Meursault may find itself sat next to the Christmas Turkey), these deep, intense reds are what is in order to keep the cold at bay!
Keith
there is no better a wine to enjoy with friends after a hard day's ski-ing whilst ruminating over your next move in a game of cards.
ReplyDeleteChapoutier's Banyuls is sheer nectar (much much better than Ambrosia)and the end of the bottle comes far too soon
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