Macabeu
The Roussillon used to be known for its sweet, fortified wines. But changing tastes have caused production to fall into steep decline along with the fortunes of the wine makers specialised in producing them. A handful remain, however, and Domaine de Rancy is one of them. Based in the village of Latour de France, Jean-Hubert Verdaguer and his wife Brigitte were the first in the village to sell all their production in bottle back in 1989, an early step toward improving the quality of wine in the region.
This wine is a rare example of a dry, oxidative wine. Grapes were late-harvested in 2008, concentrating sugar before being fermented until dry, resulting in relatively high alcohol. The magic happens next: the wine is placed in large, oak barrels and left for a decade. Over that time it gently oxidised resulting in a pale amber colour and some unique flavours. An excellent choice for lovers of dry sherry or Madeira.
Tasting notes : Orange peel, chestnuts, seaweed, floor polish. Dry with concentrated acidity and high but well-integrated alcohol.
Food pairing : Well-suited to powerfully flavoured foods such as Roquefort cheese.
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The Geeky Stuff :
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Grapes : 100% Macabeu
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Viticulture :
Certified organic
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Harvesting :
Hand
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Yeast : Wild
- ABV : 17%
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Elevage : Large oak demi-muids
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SO2 : None
