Cave de l'Abbe Rous Castell des Hospices 2001

Winery Description

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.

Tasting notes

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.

Vinification

Languedoc-Roussilon      AOC Collioure

A supple and richly crafted wine that
captures the essence of Languedoc.