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Terres des Templiers

regional map for Terres des TempliersBase map data ©2017 Google, Inst. Geogr. Nacional

Located in the town of Banyuls-sur-Mer along the Côte Vermeille, where the Pyrénées meet the Mediterranean and the Spanish border, the cellars of Terres des Templiers sit on the road a half-mile above the seaside town, testament to the stubborn endurance and well-earned pride of its local denizens. Its name honors the Knights Templar, who are said to have built upon the system of feixas (terraced vineyards) and canals that crisscross—peu de gall, "rooster foot"—across the steep hillsides above the sea, where only grapes can grow.

Today, Terres des Templiers incorporates 750 small vignerons farming 1150 hectares. The schist-dominated vineyards are by necessity worked by hand, and the practice is lutte raisonée. Under cellarmaster Jauffrey Canier, Terres des Templiers produce a range of Collioure and Banyuls, and maintain the ancient tradition of Rancio sec, the great historic wine of the region that predates Banyuls by centuries. Aged oxidatively, the Banyuls traditionnel and Rancio sec are first set outdoors and exposed to the elements in old demi-muids, for up to four years, before returning to the cellars to complete their elevage. Just 400 cases of Rancio sec are bottled per year.

    Terres des Templiers Rancio Sec NV bottle

    Terres des Templiers Rancio Sec NV

    FranceRoussillonCôte Vermeille IGP 16.5% ABV

    16.5% ABV • Fully Oxidized, Oxidative

    Terres des Templiers Rancio Sec descends from an ancient tradition preserved by Catalan winemakers of the Côte Vermeille. From old-vine Grenache noir found on its schist-dominated, terraced vineyards overlooking the sea, the wine is first aged out-of-doors in old demi-muids before returning to the cellars of the producer for extended oxidative aging in old Banyuls casks. The wine is a blend with an average age of 10-12 years spent in partially-filled barrels, resulting in its pronounced rancio character. Full details

    Terres des Templiers Rancio Sec NV label