La Cave de l'Abbe Rous 2003 Banyuls Grand Cru Cuvee Joseph Nadal

There are no vineyards in France more startling to the eye than those that cascade down to the Mediterranean Sea just north of where the Pyrenees divide France from Spain. These logic-defying vines, grown on unnumbered terraces hewn out of the cliffs, also give rise to wines of great originality and quality. La Cave de l’Abbé Rous is essentially a co-operative of small growers in the choicest sections of Banyuls. It makes wines at the highest quality level of the appellation.

With 55 gm. Of residual sugar, this is only “sec” in comparison with the sweeter wine from this producer. But, after aging for nine years in cask, the wine has achieved a spicy, gingery savor that effortlessly overcomes the sweetness. This would be a brilliant match for hard mountain cheeses, though its legendary partnership with bittersweet chocolates is difficult to surpass. ABV about 19%, this wine is similar to a Tawny Port in both flavor profile and method of production - a fortified wine that uses grape spirits to preserve natural sweetness and raise the alcohol level.