Cave de l'Abbe Rous
Geographical Location
This wine-producing region is located at the southernmost tip of France where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.
It is bounded by the 4 ports of Collioure, Port-Vendres, Banyuls sur Mer and Cerbère, and has a total area of 1,800 hectares.
It is between the mountains and the sea that these vines are installed on steep slopes with soil comprised exclusively of schist.
History
Located in Banyuls sur Mer, la Cave de l’Abbé Rous is one of the oldest cellars in the region and produces excellent Collioure and Banyuls.
Its name was chosen as an homage to the abbey that, at the end of the 19th century, was established as the first Banyuls wine-growing merchant firm to finance the construction of a church for the village.
It utilizes 750 vintners and their 1,150 hectares of vines from which it makes selections for the production of its cuvées.
From the management of the vine to the winemaking process, and from the growing process to the presentation, the quality, for each step in the production of the wines, is fortified by a unique craftsmanship for this luxurious range of products.
The Vineyard
These vines, on terraces supported by 6,000km of dried rock walls, constitute a veritable work of art which structures the entire countryside with its network of canals that fight against erosion by controlling rainwater. Since mechanization was impossible here, these structures were created exclusively by hand.
The typical Mediterranean climate allows for more than 300 days of sunshine and rare, but violent, rain showers.
The Tramontane, an often violent wind that blows from the north, contributes toward naturally maintaining the vineyards in a very healthy state.
Varietal Types
Here, Grenache is king. Better than any other, it exemplifies this unique terroir to the world. Working in concert with the schist, it allows us to display the true nature of this terroir.
Here the grapes reach rather high sugar concentrations, but have high juice outputs since the vines do not suffer from drought (thanks to the schist). The viticulture practiced here is respectful to the environment and the vintners tend toward integrated farming.
Cultivated with the passion and talent of the vintners, it gives life to wines that are rich and full-bodied, as well as uncommon and elegant.
Main Varietals
Red Wines: Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
White Wines: Grenache Gris and Blanc, Macabeu, Malvoisie, Muscat, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Vermentino.
| Address | 56 Route du Mas Reig, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Appellation | Banyuls, Collioure |
From this Winery
Made from the best black Grenache and Carignan grapes selected with care from the oldest vines of the vineyards, this wine offers intense aromas of cinnamon, red fruit, licorice and pepper. Expect a pronounced attack followed by a full, long finish. Aged in oak and exceedingly well-balanced, it is a truly pleasurable wine that goes well with grilled or roasted meats and aged cheeses. Best served cool, between 15˚ C and 18˚ C.
Clear yellow color with hints of green.
Great aromatic richness.
Nose of yellow flowers followed by notes of grilled sap and spice with a mineral dominance.
Ample and full-bodied opening. Structured and well-balanced wine. Notes of fleshy fruit (Papaya, peach). Pervasively fresh spice finish.
This distinguished wine with its freshness and mineral taste pairs well with: rabbit pâté, white meat in sauce and grilled fish, but scallops, langoustines and soft cheeses
Serving temperature: to be served cool, at 8˚ C to 10˚ C
AOC Collioure
Dark red with a violet hue.
Aromas of ripe cherries, Morello cherries and red berries.
Ample opening. Powerful and elegant tannins. Macerated candied fruits in brandy.
This wine pairs well with: exotic cuisines with sweet and salty dishes. It also goes well with “bleu” cheeses, chocolate desserts and red berries.
Serving temperature: to be served cool, at 12˚ C to 15˚ C
Peony in color and with an intense red berry aroma followed by notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The body is ample, conveying a wonderful blend of rose hips, light fruits and spice through to a long finish.
Goes well with grilled Mediterranean fish such as red mullet, bouillabaisse, or salade composée.
Serve cold, between 9˚C and 11˚C.
Dark red with a violet hue.
Intense and elegant aromas of small red berries.
Peppery notes. Ample opening, that is also balanced and complex. Noticeable and elegant tannins. Notes of well-ripened red fruits, licorice and pepper. Long finish.
This wine pairs well with: red meat, but is also exquisite with spring vegetables (fava beans). At a lower temperature, it pairs with cooked fish (zarzuela, bouillabaisse...).