From: Roussillon, France

Varietals: From a co-planted vineyard of Grenache Blanc, Gris, and Noir

Taste: The aromatic profile is captivating, revealing delicate notes of white peach, citrus zest, and green apple. As the wine opens, subtle nuances of white flowers, wet stone, and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary emerge, adding complexity and depth. On the palate, the 2019 Clos des Escounils Cotes Catalanes offers a harmonious balance of vibrant acidity and round, silky texture. The wine is medium-bodied, displaying flavors of ripe pear, apricot, and lemon curd, layered with hints of crushed almonds and flinty minerality. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a refreshing impression of salinity and a gentle touch of white pepper.

Pairing: This versatile wine pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, particularly those with delicate flavors and light-to-medium richness. Try it with grilled or poached seafood, roasted poultry, or creamy pasta dishes.

Embrace the wine's French Catalonia roots by pairing it with regional specialties such as escalivada (grilled vegetables with olive oil and vinegar), brandade de morue (salt cod and potato purée), or a traditional seafood paella with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

Vegetarian dishes that complement the wine's elegance and bright acidity include grilled vegetable ratatouille, mushroom and goat cheese tart, or a lentil and roasted vegetable salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette. We’re sharing a recipe that’s distinctly from the other side of the border below; it’s amazing next to this textural Catalonian white blend.

Spanish Tortilla With Tomato-Pepper Salad
By Melissa Clark

About. Cotes Catalanes is a stunning example of the potential of Roussillon wines. Managed by the passionate and innovative brothers Benoît and Sébastien Danjou-Banessy, this 17-hectare estate located in French Catalonia is turning heads with their elegant, complex, and utterly unique wines.

The 2019 Clos des Escounils Cotes Catalanes is a blend of Grenache Gris (45%), Grenache Blanc (25%), and Grenache Noir (30%) from vines over 100 years old, planted in a combination of limestone and sandstone. The wine is directly pressed and aged in old foudres for two years, revealing the true potential of the Grenache varieties. With a challenging vintage marked by a freak heatwave, the Danjou-Banessy brothers managed to overcome the obstacles to create a remarkable wine.

Roussillon, a region more commonly known for its sweet fortified wines, is undergoing a revolution as producers like Domaine Danjou-Banessy focus on creating high-quality dry wines that emphasize organic and biodynamic practices. The region is leading France in organic viticulture, attracting attention from wine enthusiasts worldwide.

The 2019 Clos des Escounils Cotes Catalanes showcases the unique character and terroir of Roussillon, with its intriguing blend of Grenache varieties. Wine critic Jancis Robinson awarded the wine 17.5/20, highlighting its unfiltered, unfined, and spontaneous fermentation character. This wine is a testament to the dedication and vision of the Danjou-Banessy brothers, who continue to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking.

Domaine Danjou-Banessy's wines not only offer a sense of place but also exhibit an incredible freshness not commonly associated with the South of France. The 2019 Clos des Escounils Cotes Catalanes is no exception, offering a palate of ripe fruit, minerality, and herbaceous undertones, reminiscent of the esteemed wines of Montsant.