A Slice of Banyuls

At the end of last Summer, me and my partner arrived in the beautiful seaside town of Banyuls whilst on a road trip in the South of France. Famed for its steep slopes covered in vines that drop dramatically into the Mediterranean sea, it has also become a hot spot for natural wine lovers, both those who produce it and those who drink it. We headed straight to Les 9 Caves for dinner having been recommended it by so many people. 

This multifaceted venue houses an excellent wine shop and restaurant and is connected to a co-operative winery used by the likes of Thierry Diaz (La Martine), Rié & Hirofumi Shoji and Bruno Duchêne. Whilst we sat down in the garden, we realised that just yards away, Bruno himself was directing helpers as they loaded baskets of grapes into a press. The harvest was in full swing and we were able to spectate over dinner. What a lovely experience on that warm evening. 

Fast forward 9 months and the wine that was beginning its journey that day has now landed on our shelves. La Luna Blanc 2024 is a cuvée made from Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris grapes from plots around Banyuls. Brimming with salty, citrus, stone and tropical fruits, it is unmistakably Mediterranean. The first sip transports us straight back to that beautiful town and we really can't wait to visit again. If you are ever in the depths of Roussillon, be sure to make a trip. And until then, you can enjoy your own little slice with a bottle of Bruno's wine...

Happy drinking!