Banyuls AOC

Ampolles de Banyuls

Banyuls AOC is a French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for fortified wines made in the Banyuls region of Roussillon in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The AOC designation was established in 1936, and it is known for producing high-quality vin doux naturel wines.

Geography

The Banyuls AOC is located in the southeastern part of France, near the border with Spain. The vineyards are situated on the steep slopes of the Pyrenees mountains, which provide a unique terroir for the grapes. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Grape Varieties

The primary grape variety used in Banyuls AOC wines is Grenache, which must constitute at least 50% of the blend. Other permitted grape varieties include Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeu, Muscat, and Tourbat.

Wine Production

Banyuls AOC wines are produced using the mutage process, where grape spirit is added to the must to stop fermentation and preserve the natural sweetness of the grapes. The wines are then aged in barrels, often exposed to the sun, which contributes to their distinctive flavor profile.

Types of Banyuls Wines

There are several types of Banyuls wines, including:

• Banyuls Rimage: A youthful style, aged for a shorter period.
• Banyuls Traditionnel: Aged for a longer period, often in barrels exposed to the sun.
• Banyuls Grand Cru: Aged for a minimum of 30 months, with a higher proportion of Grenache.

Food Pairing

Banyuls wines are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. They are particularly well-suited to rich desserts, such as chocolate-based dishes, and can also complement savory dishes like blue cheese and foie gras.

Related Pages

• Fortified wine
• Vin doux naturel
• Grenache
• Roussillon wine
• Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée