Banyuls and Collioure wines are forged by the sea, mountains, sun and wind (Tramuntana) and are, above all, wines for pleasure. Exposed to a generous climate, the vines yield expressive, consummate wines that are rich, powerful, elegant and distinguished. They express all the warmth of the sun and the ruggedness of the schistose soils through the grape that reigns supreme in this region, Grenache.
 

 

This terraced vineyard has dug its roots into an arid schistous soil. The Grenache Noir, perfectly suited to the harshness of this land, blossoms fully under the hot, dry climate where the sun burns and the dominant wind, known as the "Tramontane", let us harvest the grapes at full maturity and in a perfect sanitary state.

The Grenache Noir grapes, carried by the twisted vine stocks of a vineyard which draws its meagre strength from the heart of the schist, embody a concentration of all the moods of this countryside. Everything is harsh, dry, twisted by the wind or overwhelmed by the sun. Despite this, the Vine-growers of Banyuls continue to work these sublime vines by hand as if it was their own garden. This requires all of their passion and a great deal of strength.

Vines were planted here many centuries before Jesus Christ. The Greeks and Phoenicians understood that this place was blessed by the gods for this type of cultivation. It is, therefore, one of the most ancient vineyards in the World.
The Vine-growers, "sculptors of the mountains" and lovers of their "vertigo vines", continue to build on this flourishing heritage and pass on to the passionate young generations all of their know-how of a viticulture which respects the environment.

 

It is difficult to put a precise date on the beginnings of winegrowing in Roussillon.
Historians attribute it to Greek settlers who invaded the region in the XIth century BC to exploit the minerals found in abundance on Mount Canigou.
Winegrowing developed under the relatively peaceful periods of the Roman occupation and Visigoth rule. However, the vineyards were largely destroyed during the Saracen invasions between 714 and 828.
During the Middle Ages, Roussillon enjoyed a period of prosperity during which the Knights Templar played an important role in the restructuring of agriculture. Thanks to their work and their flair for organisation, winegrowing gained a new lease of life.
The XIIIth century marked a crucial period in the history of vins doux naturels, or fortified wines. Arnau de Villanova, a doctor of medicine at the University of Montpellier, discovered the principle of mutage – adding spirits to stabilise sweet wines. This technique made it possible to keep some of the sweetness contained in the grapes.

 

(Source : www.banyuls.com)

 

 

Thanks to their ready for ear for their customers’ needs, the 750 winegrowers who make up Cellier des Templiers make wines that correspond to contemporary tastes. They are continuously looking to create new blends and discover new vinification methods to offer the best their vines are able to give. Their priority is to make wines to please the people who drink them.

Today, Cellier des Templiers offers a broad range of fine wines: 19 Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru, 15 Collioure wines and one fine Banyuls Vinegar. Whether you’re a wine professional or simply a wine enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

 

Opening: - from April to end of October daily from 10am to 7.30pm – from November to end of March, from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

Welcome public : individuals and groups (maximum 70 people). Guided tours only. By reservation for groups and foreign languages (English and German) - Shop, screening room, handicap access, parking.