Tautavel Réserve Vieilles Vignes, AOP Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel

Tautavel Réserve Vieilles Vignes, Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel is a blend of old vine Carignan, Syrah and Grenache Noir made by Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau. Les Vignerons Tautavel Vinegrau is a small wine cooperative in the Cotes du Roussillon producing quality wines from the villages of Tautavel and Vingrau. The wines from this area are considered to be some of the best in the area and, in 1996, were recognised with the creation of a new sub appellation – Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel. Only vineyards in these two villages are allowed in the appellation and must be planted on slopes of red chalky clay soils with yields not exceeding 45 hl/ha. The wine must be produced from at least two of the following grape varieties – Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan Noir and Lledoner Pelut (“hairy” Grenache).

The vineyards of Tautavel and Vingrau comprise some 980 hectares divided amongst many small growers. The Tautavel vineyards are concentrated mainly in the Tautavel Valley which is bordered on each side by grey cliffs. Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel is produced from vineyards on the higher slopes of the valley on limestone soils. The Village of Vingrau (Latin: Vin Grau – 20 steps) is also part of the appellation and the vineyards here are characterised by chalky clay soils and its own specific microclimate. These 20 steps can still be seen today on a path leading out of the village towards the Pas de l’Echelle which crosses the amazing natural stone ampitheatre known as the Cirque. The grapes for the Tautavel Réserve are sourced from vineyards composed of limestone clay and schiste soils. After harvesting the grapes are destemmed and then undergo a long macerationa and temperature controlled fermentation.