The Banyuls is a Vin Doux naturel, a fortified wine that grows in slate terraces, some of which slope spectacularly towards the Mediterranean. Similar to port wine, fermentation is stopped by adding potable alcohol, but with the French "Vin doux naturel" one is usually content with "only" 16 to 18% alcohol in the finished product, in contrast to around 20% for port wine .
The Banyuls Baillaury by Abbé Rous consists of 50% fully ripe Grenache Noir and Grenache Gris grapes. After the must has fermented for some time, the fermentation is stopped with Eau de Vie, which means that part of the natural grape sugar is retained. This wine is bottled after five years of ageing in wooden barrels. Banyuls goes great with chocolate desserts and blue cheese.
