Domaine Madeloc Robert Pages Banyuls Rouge 2015 Pierre Gaillard

Domaine Madeloc Banyuls Rouge Robert Pagès is a traditional Roussillon vin doux naturel, part of it aged in glass bonbonnes left out in the sun to build rancio character.

Banyuls is made on the steep schist terraces that fall to the Mediterranean at the Spanish border, where Grenache ripens to very high sugar and fermentation is halted by the addition of neutral grape spirit, leaving natural sweetness in the wine. Domaine de Madeloc was established by the northern Rhône grower Pierre Gaillard, who farms terraced parcels around Banyuls-sur-Mer and Collioure and works them largely by hand, since the slopes are too steep for machinery. This cuvée blends Grenache (90%) with Grenache Gris (10%) and carries around 80 g/L of residual sugar. Part of the wine is aged in glass bonbonnes set outside in the sun, an old Roussillon practice that oxidises it gently and draws out dried fig, bitter orange and nutty rancio character; the remainder is raised in old foudre. The palate is opulent and round, with the sweetness carried by a fresh, dry, nutty finish.

Ready now and capable of many years in a cool cellar, and it will hold for weeks once opened. Serve lightly chilled at 14-16°C with Roquefort or Gorgonzola, dark chocolate desserts or a walnut tart.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.