Domaine du Traginer: Banyuls 2006

The Domaine du Traginer has only 7.5 hectares of vineyard, exclusively on the steep, Mediterranean-facing slate slopes of Banyuls-sur-Mer. Jean-François Deu began converting his family’s domaine to biodynamic production in 1988. The name Traginer comes from the Catalan word for muleteer, and Jean-François’s uncle Anicet is considered the last representative of this trade in Banyuls. The laborious handwork on the slate terraces allows only very low yields of less than 20 hl/ha, and the parcels have been worked exclusively with mules for decades. During vinification, no cultured yeasts or enzymes are used, just “simply very good grapes,” as Deu emphasizes. The Banyuls from this domaine are characterized by an exceptionally wine-like fruit with a distinctive backbone. Domaine du Traginer is a true gem that sets standards for Banyuls.