🍷 Banyuls
A sweet red fortified wine from Grenache on the coast by the Pyrenees.
Banyuls is a sweet red fortified wine made in the south of France, on the coast by the Pyrenees, next to the Spanish border. The vineyards lie on steep schist terraces right above the sea. Work on them has to be done by hand.
The main grape is Grenache. When the juice starts to ferment, grape spirit is added. Fermentation stops and the sugar stays in the wine. This gives a sweet wine of about 15–20% strength. It is then aged in barrels, sometimes for years, and picks up notes of dried fruit, chocolate, coffee and nuts.
Banyuls belongs to the type known as vin doux naturel, naturally sweet fortified wines, and is related to them. It belongs to Roussillon and to French wine. It is served in small portions, with chocolate desserts or cheese, at room temperature or slightly chilled. Such wine should be enjoyed in moderation.
Links
- Part of
- 🍷 Vin doux naturel
- Where it is made
- 🗺️ French wine
- Related to
- 🍇 Grenache
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Vin doux naturel, 📍 Roussillon
Frequently asked questions
What is Banyuls?
A sweet red fortified wine from Grenache, from the Pyrenean coast of southern France.
How is Banyuls made?
Grape spirit is added to fermenting juice, fermentation stops, and the sugar stays in the wine.
What is Banyuls served with?
Chocolate desserts or cheese, in small portions.
Similar
🍷 Maury · 🍷 Rivesaltes · 🍷 Rasteau VDN · 🍷 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise · 🍷 Vin gris · 🍷 Mutage
⚠️ 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.