Domaine de la Rectorie : Côté Mer 2023

The elegance and maritime freshness of a Collioure red wine

The estate

Founded in 1984 by brothers Marc and Thierry Parcé, Domaine de la Rectorie is a key reference in Roussillon. Located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, the estate today spans a vineyard of 34 hectares. Currently run by Jean-Emmanuel Parcé, who took over from his father Thierry, the estate stands out for its environmentally respectful philosophy, favouring the authentic expression of terroir over technology. Committed to a transition towards organic farming, the estate produces wines of character that faithfully reflect their Mediterranean identity.

The vineyard

The vines, with an average age of fifty years, thrive on the steep coastal slopes, between 0 and 400 metres in altitude, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the terroir of Collioure is characterised by soils dominated by schist, forcing the vines to root deeply. The plots selected for this cuvée benefit from direct exposure to the sea, offering an ideal microclimate that tempers summer heat and preserves the freshness of the grapes.

Winemaking and aging

Following entirely hand-picked harvesting, the grapes for the "Côté Mer" 2023 are destemmed before undergoing a maceration of around twenty days. The wine is then aged for eighteen months, mainly in barrels and large oak vats, allowing gentle micro-oxygenation and a subtle integration of woody notes.

Grape varieties

Syrah (50%), Grenache (40%), Carignan (10%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for Domaine de la Rectorie's "Côté Mer" 2023

Tasting notes

Color
With an intense red colour, both deep and vibrant, this wine reveals beautiful chromatic depth.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with delicate notes of well-ripened black fruit. It is then enriched by subtle hints of vanilla and nuances of undergrowth evoking earth and forest.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is generous and complex, offering a perfect balance between red fruit aromas, woody notes, and a saline freshness brought by the proximity of the sea. The tannins are well integrated and the acidity pleasant, leading to a long, persistent finish with fine spicy touches.

Food and wine pairing

This cuvée pairs ideally with southern French cuisine or everyday dishes. It goes wonderfully with pigeon with raisins, grilled fish à la plancha, lamb, or meats served with mushrooms and a hunter's sauce.

Service and storage

The "Côté Mer" 2023 can be enjoyed while young, but it also has excellent aging potential and can be cellared until around 2033. For optimal tasting, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 16°C.