📜 Banyuls
A sweet fortified wine from Grenache on terraces above the Mediterranean near the Spanish border.
Banyuls is a fortified sweet wine made from Grenache on terraces above the Mediterranean by the Spanish border, in Roussillon in southern France. The steep slopes are made of schist, the vineyards lie on narrow terraces, and work there has to be done by hand. The name of the wine comes from the seaside village of Banyuls-sur-Mer.
The wine is counted as a vin doux naturel. Fermentation is stopped by adding neutral grape spirit. Sugar stays in the wine and strength rises. The main grape is Grenache, black, grey or white. The wine can be red, white or rosé. Aged versions turn dark and gain flavours of nuts, coffee and dried fruit. Classic barrels are sometimes aged in the sun in a yard.
Banyuls is among fortified and sweet wines, like its neighbour Rivesaltes. It is protected under a PDO. The wine pairs well with chocolate and desserts, and also with cheese. It is one of the best matches for chocolate desserts. It is served in small portions, slightly chilled.
Links
- Where it is
- 📍 Roussillon
- Main grapes
- 🍇 Grenache
- Wines
- 🍷 Red wine, 🍷 White wine, 🍷 Rosé, 🍷 Fortified wine, 🍷 Sweet wine
Frequently asked questions
What is Banyuls?
A fortified sweet wine from Grenache from Roussillon in southern France.
What is the soil like?
Schist, with vineyards on narrow terraces above the sea.
What is it served with?
Chocolate, desserts and cheese.
Similar
📜 Grand Roussillon · 📜 Rivesaltes · 📜 Maury · 📜 Banyuls grand cru · 📜 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise · 📜 Tarragona
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.