Banyuls AOC, Domaine de Bila-Haut
🧐 Banyuls Rimage: The Black Velvet That Whispers to Chocolate and Silence
Some wines announce themselves like a shout. Others, rarer still, settle in like a dense whisper, almost secretive.
The Banyuls Rimage from Domaine de Bila-Haut, crafted by Chapoutier, belongs to that latter kind.
A wine of the night. A wine for reflection.
A liquid velvet Grenache, smooth and more complex than it first appears.
🍇 About Domaine de Bila-Haut and M. Chapoutier
Domaine de Bila-Haut is the Roussillon outpost of Michel Chapoutier, one of France’s most celebrated winemakers. Known for biodynamic practices and terroir-driven wines, Chapoutier brings his Rhône Valley precision to the wild, mineral-rich hills near Latour-de-France.
The Rimage style of Banyuls (from the Catalan for “vintage”) is aged in a reductive environment, typically stainless steel, to emphasize freshness, fruit clarity, and purity.
What Is the Banyuls AOC?
The Banyuls AOC is a historic appellation in Roussillon, southern France, renowned for its fortified sweet red wines made predominantly from Grenache.
Situated on steep, sun-soaked terraces above the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards benefit from schist soils and intense sunlight, producing deeply concentrated grapes. What makes Banyuls unique is its mutage process, adding grape spirit to halt fermentation and preserve natural sugars, resulting in wines that are:
Naturally sweet
Rich and aromatic
Balanced by vibrant acidity
Perfect for aging or immediate enjoyment
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby with mahogany glints, intense and inviting.
Nose: Black cherry jam, dried fig, bitter cocoa, and woody vanilla.
It’s the scent of an ancient spellbook left open on a Mediterranean terrace at twilight.
Each aroma feels like a velvet layer, a curtain slowly drawn back to reveal another world, the world of fortified sweet wines, alive and never static.Palate: The first sip is a bite of melted dark chocolate, followed by a flash of black plum, then a quiet return of freshly ground coffee. But what really stands out is the balance: luscious, yet never cloying. The acidity keeps watch like a bassline, preventing the sweetness from collapsing.
This is a wine that takes its time, inviting you to slow down, to set your glass down between sips and let the flavors dance across your palate like autumn rain on warm stones.
What to Pair with This Banyuls?
This is a wine that loves contrasts and elevates texture. Tried and tested with:
Dark chocolate
Decadent chocolate desserts (fondant, mousse, or flourless cake)
Cherry tart, fig cake, or dried fruit-based pastries
A cheese board featuring Roquefort and quince paste
A warm fig and almond tart
Or… a cool, silent night with a book in hand
Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled between 12–14°C (54–57°F). Let it breathe for 10–15 minutes before serving to unlock its full aromatic range.
At 12°C the fruit sings
At 14°C the spices and cocoa whisper
❤️ Why We Love It (And Why You Might Too)
This wine is a conversation piece, a wine that surprises and impresses.
Authentic terroir: You can taste the Mediterranean sun, schist soils, and Chapoutier’s signature precision in every sip.
Uncommon style: A sweet red that remains elegant, never heavy or syrupy.
Gastronomic potential: Few wines pair so perfectly with both savory and sweet.
Modern-meets-traditional: The Rimage style celebrates Banyuls’ roots while bringing out the fruit-forward, age-worthy beauty of Grenache.
Recommended for:
Fans of sweet wines with depth and complexity
Red wine lovers curious about fortified styles
Chocolate lovers seeking the ultimate pairing
Anyone building a cellar with wines of character and story
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