La Vallée des Abeilles - Banyuls 2024
This Banyuls 2024 from La Vallée des Abeilles is a wine of encounter, silence, and depth, born on the steep terraces of Banyuls where the vine has always dialogued with the sea and the wind. The dark ruby robe with garnet reflections announces an intense, sunny, and deeply Mediterranean wine. The nose opens with aromas of black cherry, fresh fig, and blackberry, complemented by notes of cocoa, black olive, and sweet spices. A saline and slightly smoky touch immediately recalls the maritime influence and the mineral harshness of the soils. The whole is ample, expressive, but never demonstrative, with a true sensation of sincerity and depth. From the first sniff, the wine imposes a slow, almost meditative rhythm, like the lands that saw it born.
On the palate, the attack is enveloping and generous, carried by a dense and silky body. The tannins, ripe and perfectly integrated, structure the wine without rigidity, giving way to a velvety and persistent texture. Flavors of candied black fruits mingle with notes of licorice, garrigue, and bitter cocoa, supported by an astonishing freshness that balances the natural richness of Banyuls. The blend of Grenache noir and Carignan brings both power, depth, and tension, shaping a wine that is both fleshy and precise. Each sip seems to tell of long time, the patience of gestures, and respect for the material. It is a wine built in listening, without artifice, where nothing is forced and everything finds its place.
La Vallée des Abeilles 2024 is also the fruit of a rare human encounter, between Pierre Gagnaire, a world-renowned chef known for his sensitivity and absolute respect for the product, Thierry and Jean-Emmanuel Parcé, winemakers deeply rooted in their lands, and Rodolphe, a tireless traveler in search of meaning and essentials. This wine is naturally destined for the table, accompanying a cuisine of character, stewed meats, roasted lamb, game, or spicy and warm dishes. It can also be savored alone, in a moment of calm, as a wine for contemplation. Served around 15 to 16 °C, it reveals all its complexity and depth. It is a Banyuls of creation and transmission, speaking as much of wine as of humanity, friendship, and respect for time.
Grape varieties: Grenache Noir, Carignan.
