What I Learned

The Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) Collioure centers around the town of Collioure. (Within this area, vintners also harvest grapes for the AOC Banyuls, a Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) fortified like port, but that is another topic.)

AOC Collioure focuses traditionally on red wines, Grenache Noir predominates, but Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan are also grown. But hot weather, and a diet laced with seafood, often calls for a lighter wine, vice a hearty red. Accordingly, this AOC allows production of rose wines. Interestingly, in a rose cuvee, vintners may add up to 30% Grenache Gris.

But seafood also goes well with white wine. Luckily, as of 2002, vintners may produce and label as AOC Collioure wines from white varietals.  These include Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Vermentino (a grape often seen in Italy’s Liguria region), and Marsanne. These new and often exciting white varietal wines or cuvees really complement the local fish dishes.

 

What I Tasted

2016 Blanc, L’Ecume, Collioure Appellation d’Origine Protegee, Domaine Pietri Geraud: A dry white wine cuvee (Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Vermentino, and Marsanne) with light plus gold color; vanilla, green apple and pear nose and flavors; smooth finish with medium minus acidity

2016 Cornet & Cie., Appellation Collioure Protegee, Cave de l’Abbe Rous: A dry white wine cuvee (Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Grenache Gris) with light straw gold color; citrus and grassy nose, with vanilla and citrus flavors; medium acidity with a somewhat tart finish.

2016 Collioure Blanc, Appellation Collioure Controlee, Domaine Pic Joan: A dry white wine cuvee (Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris) with medium straw gold color; mineral and vanilla nose, with vanilla and floral flavors, medium minus acidity, very smooth finish.

2015 Le Clos de Paulilles, Collioure Appellation d’Origine Protegee, Domaine Cazes: A dry red wine cuvee (Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre), with medium plus garnet color; spice, tobacco, chocolate and dried dark cherry nose, with peppery, dried cherry and tobacco flavors; high tannins.