Vins Doux Naturels
No Roussillon tasting is complete without some vins doux. These are some of the most underrated wines of France. They are amazing value and utterly delicious, and also very varied. And l make no apology for including every VDN in the tasting, with the coups de coeur in a previous post.
2022 Château Planères. Muscat de Rivesaltes, Excellence
Half Muscat d’Alexandrie and half Muscat à petits grains. Light and fresh. Nicely balanced with some honey and a slightly bitter note on the finish, that gives a lift.
Dom Brial. Rivesaltes, Tuilé Hors d’Age
Pure Grenache Noir. Light red in colour. Light walnut fruit on nose and palate. Quite smooth and elegant.
2021 Domaine la Part des Anges, Maury Grenat
Pure Grenache Noir. Deep red colour. Nicely rounded, with fresh ripe red fruit, balanced with a streak of tannin and a touch of alcohol.
Domaine Sol Payré, Rivesaltes Hors d’Age
Pure Grenache. Rich and nutty on nose and palate. Quite intense with rich walnut fruit. Beautifully balanced.
Domaine Vaquer, 2017 Tuilé Rivesaltes
Pure Grenache Noir. Light tawny red colour. Light red fruit on nose and palate. A supple blend of spice and more overt fruit. A touch of alcohol on the finish.
Domaine Vaquer, Rivesaltes Ambré, 30 years Hors d’Age
This is absolutely my kind of vin doux, with so many nuances of flavour, with walnuts predominating, but balanced with mature notes of spice and tertiary aromas. A wonderful elegance and a long lingering finish.
Domaine Vial-Magneres.
Olivier Saperas is one of the few producers to make a Banyuls Blanc, from pure Grenache Blanc. It is fairly understated, lightly rounded, lightly honeyed and fruity. Satisfying mouthfeel.
Gaby Vial 7 years NV Banyuls
70% Grenache Noir with 30% Grenache Gris. Quite a deep red, with a tawny rim. Concentrated red fruit on the palate. Quite firm with a tannic streak.
2012 André Magnères, Banyuls grand cru.
Quite deep red with a brick rim. Firm nutty nose and palate. A perfect note on which to finish.
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