Domaine Danjou-Banessy
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The Danjou brothers Benoit and Sebastien inherited a vineyard that was once used for the production of Rivesaltes, a sweet, fortified wine. With great care to revitalize the vineyard, the brothers set out to produce individualistic, refined and complex still wines from the ancient vines.
A domaine in Espira De L’Aigly, a village in the heart of the sweet wine region of Rivesaltes. Brothers Sebastien and Benoit have taken the vines that have been in their family for generations and made wines that challenge the concept of what Rousillon is, yet show us what Rousillon can be. The Danjou-Banessy wines are bright, lively, complex, and somewhat Burgundian in profile but also represent well their region, “French Catalunya.”
The grapes planted on the 17-ha estate of Danjou-Banessy are traditional- Cinsault, Mourvedre, Carignan Noir, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu, Muscat of Alexandria, and the very rare Grenache Gris. The farming is organic while practicing biodynamics to a T. The winemaking is minimal and reductive (sans oxygen), which is undoubtedly unique in the area known as the homeland of the “Rancio” style (fortified and entirely oxidized for an extended period). Though if you are looking for rancio and visit the domaine, the brothers will oblige, as it is the wine of their grandfather.
