Domaine Danjou Banessy - Espurna 2022
Domaine Danjou-Banessy is one of the most distinctive signatures of Roussillon, located in Espira-de-l’Agly, in the heart of a Catalan landscape marked by schists, marls, quartz, and Mediterranean light. Benoît and Sébastien Danjou continue a family story by revealing very specific terroirs, often from old vines and worked with great sensitivity. The estate is managed with certified organic farming, with biodynamic practices, in search of lively, precise, and deeply rooted wines. Espurna occupies a rare place in the range, as this cuvée highlights Cinsault, a grape variety often associated with delicacy but capable here of true depth thanks to the age of the vines. Its name means "spark" in Catalan, an image that fits well with the luminous and vibrant energy of the wine. Originating from a small 0.50-hectare plot planted in the 1920s, Espurna 2022 expresses an ancient and confidential plant heritage. Domaine Danjou-Banessy Espurna 2022 thus presents itself as a Catalan red of great finesse, both airy, infused, and deeply mineral.
The Espurna 2022 cuvée is made from 100% Cinsault, coming from the "Terres Noires" sector in Espira-de-l’Agly. The soils of black schists, marls, and quartz give the wine a particular tension, a dark mineral framework, and a depth that goes beyond the simple fruity register of the grape variety. The very old vines, planted in the 1920s, produce low yields, around 15 hl/ha, which naturally concentrates the matter without weighing down the style. Vinification is done with whole bunches, with light crushing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and extraction by infusion. This approach preserves the delicacy of Cinsault, its silky touch, its floral character, and its aromatic energy. The long aging of 24 to 48 months in used barrels supports the wine in depth without marking the fruit with dominant woodiness. Espurna 2022 thus embodies a very refined reading of Roussillon, where patience, old vines, and infusion give birth to a subtle, sapid red, designed for evolution.
On tasting, Domaine Danjou-Banessy Espurna 2022 shows a bright red robe, slightly opaque, with deep ruby reflections. The nose may evoke fresh cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, dried rose, sweet pepper, fine herbs, and a touch of warm stone. On the palate, the wine is delicate, infused, and very elegant, with a fine but persistent texture. Cinsault brings a supple, almost airy texture, while the old vines and Terres Noires give the wine more depth, salinity, and length. The finish is floral, spicy, and mineral, with a freshness sensation that perfectly balances the Mediterranean origin of the wine. This red will ideally accompany roasted pigeon, farm poultry, herb lamb, grilled tuna, Catalan cuisine, candied vegetables, or dishes with mild spices. It can be enjoyed after aeration, but its balance and long aging will also allow it to evolve with finesse in the cellar.
Grape variety: 100% Cinsault
