Alcohol: 16%
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Location: Banyuls AOP, Roussillon, France
Tasting Notes: Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage reveals a garnet red hue that gradually evolves to mahogany with age, reflecting both its maturity and depth. The bouquet is generous and inviting, with aromas of black fruit, red berries, and cocoa, a classic signature of Grenache in this fortified style. On the palate, the wine is rich and sumptuous, harmonizing the solar strength of Grenache with the fineness of its tannins. The sweetness unfolds generously yet remains balanced, leading to a wine of long persistence and layered complexity. With its freshness and age-worthy character, this Banyuls offers both immediate pleasure and the promise of graceful evolution in the cellar.
Notes: The Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage is crafted with meticulous attention to tradition and terroir. Grapes are hand-harvested at full ripeness, ensuring optimal flavor concentration before vinification. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with pure alcohol, a hallmark of the Vin Doux Naturel style, and then aged for 16 to 23 months in a combination of oak casks and stainless steel, which lends both complexity and freshness. This careful process results in a wine of remarkable balance and depth. Its quality has been recognized internationally, earning 92 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, a testament to its excellence. With a limited production of just over 1,100 cases, the 2012 vintage stands as a rare and collectible expression of Banyuls, prized for its richness, persistence, and age-worthy character.
Food pairing: Chapoutier Banyuls Rimage is a quintessential companion to chocolate desserts, whether a rich dark chocolate mousse or a flourless chocolate cake, where its cocoa and berry notes echo the dish's depth. It also pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts like cherry clafoutis or raspberry tart, the wine’s sweetness and freshness enhancing the natural fruit flavors. For a striking contrast, it can be served alongside blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, where the salty tang meets the wine’s luscious richness in perfect balance. Beyond pairings, this Banyuls is equally rewarding as an after-dinner sipping wine, ideal for contemplative enjoyment and lingering conversation.
Winery Story: Maison M. Chapoutier, founded in 1808, is one of the Rhône Valley’s most historic producers, renowned for biodynamic farming and terroir-driven wines. Their Banyuls Rimage reflects the steep, schistous terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, where vines have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Chapoutier’s approach combines tradition with innovation, producing fortified wines that are both authentic and age-worthy, celebrated worldwide for their pairing with chocolate.
