Le Cirque Blanc Grenache Gris, Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes, Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau

Le Cirque Blanc is 100% Grenache Gris 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 Lladoner 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. This is one of the most spectacular vineyards in Roussillon. Not all of their wines are from this appellation, the cooperative also makes wines from the Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes and Cotes du Roussillon Villages. The grapes for this wine are sourced from chalky and clay vineyards with south and south east facing slopes. The vineyards are primarily composed of old vines and practise substainable agriculture. The grapes are gently pressed the juice undergoes cold temperature fermentation and is then left to age no the lees in vat.