M. Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage 2017
What is Banyuls? Banyuls is a fortified VDN wine (a.k.a Vin Doux Naturel) made primarily of Grenache Noir and/or Grenache Blanc. Grenache Noir is the most common variety in Banyuls and has to be 50% of the blend for red Banyuls (75% for the Grand Cru wines). Generally the vines are old vines, grown on terraced slopes in Roussillon AOC in the South of France that joins Spain. The different wines produced in the region are as follows: Rimage, Traditional, Hors age or Rancio.
The Banyuls AOC has strong Tramontane winds, hot Mediterranean sun and relatively low rainfall all contribute to the intensity of the wines. Banyuls wines are made from grapes with higher ripeness and sweetness levels. The reds are fermented and fortified with a neutral spirit while under skin contact which increases the extraction of color, flavor, and tannins. The naturally high levels of grape sugars and fortification of a neutral spirit produces a final alcohol level of minimum 15% abv. The wines are then matured in oak barrels, or outside in glass bottles (Demijohns) exposed to the sun. Post-maturation allows for color and tannin extraction. All Banyuls wines are barrel aged for at least 12 months – 30 months in the case of the Banyuls Grand Cru wines.
The Rimage is a wine meant to preserve the fruit and freshness and is bottled 6 to 12 months after harvest then aged. Think of flavors of
M. Chapoutier is a leading producer of red, white, rosé, sparkling AND fortified wines in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. A producer that he himself grew up amongst the vineyards of the region, continues to create wines that reflect each of the terroirs. M. Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage 2017 Is a deep Ruby color with aromas & flavors of plum jam, red currant, prunes, black cherry, fig compote, violet, rose petals, licorice, mint, chocolate, garigue and leathe . It is medium sweet, medium bodied and alcohol, medium fine-grained tannins and medium acidity. It is a smooth, well integrated and lovely wine.
Perfect pairing for dark chocolate - truffles, chocolate mousse tart or double chocolate cupcakes. Savory foods as well such as blue cheese, goat cheese, poached pears with caramel, foie gras, seared duck breast with cherries.
