Domaine du Traginer cuvée Rimage 2018 (AOC Banyuls)

The crazy world of the Languedoc VDN (Vin Doux Naturel / Sweet Natural Wines) leaves us great specialties to enjoy in many ways. To begin with, we have several denominations that make these sweet wines, but only two large families: reductive aging (or in the tank/bottle) and oxidative aging (or in the barrel). The rimage specialty belongs to the reductive aging family and is exclusive to the old 'Banyuls AOC'. Domaine Traginer (Banyuls-sur-Mer village) has chosen the White Grenache, Grey Grenache and Cariñena varieties, all of them grown according to ecological and biodynamic standards.

Dark color with old gold reflections, the result of a harvest of ripe bunches perfectly destined for the pleasure of the Rimage. Especially to highlight the tear density indicating its glyceric content of 16% vol. On the nose we find a festival of roasted fruit, caramel and the notes of reductive aging for 8 months in stainless steel tanks, resulting in a set of brutal complexity. Round logical entry in the mouth. A wide development with an enormous wealth of sensations: almighty caramel, chocolate, cocoa and more that I forgot. Good density on the palate but never cloying, there is a great balance between sweetness and freshness.

We uncorked this bottle four years after its harvest and it must be said that it presents many options when it comes to pairing. It can be perfectly served as an appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed with the main course. It would be a mistake not to try it together with Roquefort or Pont l'Êveque cheeses. This wine, valued at between 20 and 25 euros, accepts a long aging and at that time it can be enjoyed with a cigar such as Montrecristo. Of course the desserts are the accords of association and for this Rimage it  serve a Creamy pecan nougatine cocoa nibs, sweet clover meringue, haskap gel and sorbet.