Banyuls Wine

Banyuls is located in Roussillon near the Pyrenees. It is an appellation for vins doux naturels wines made from a minimum of 50% Grenache Noir and can also include Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris. VDNs are similar to Port, where spirit is added before the end of fermentation, creating a sweet, fortified wine. Small amounts of VDN white is also made here.

There are 5 major VDN categories to be aware of:

• Grenat/Rimage - these are the unaged wines.
• Tuile/Traditionnel - these are the red wines that are matured oxidatively adding nutty notes.
• Ambre - these are the white wines that undergo oxidative ageing.
• Hors d'age - oxidative ageing for an extended period.
• Rancio - used to describe more volatile aromas and flavours like varnish and strong coffee.