Les Bancèls by Domaine de Cébène

Structure

Bodyfull

Tanninfirm

Aciditymedium

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 4 to 12 years from vintage.

vintage4 yrs12 yrs14 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninMedium acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black cherry, violet, garrigue, graphite

Palate: dark plum, thyme, fine-grained tannin, schist saline lift

Syrah-led cuvée from Les Bancèls - the old Occitan word for the terraces. North-facing 1ha vineyard blended with south-facing Mourvèdre. The symbol of Cébène.

What it pairs with

Slow-braised lamb shoulder
Fine-grained tannin and graphite meet slow-cooked lamb; thyme echoes the herb crust.
Beef tagine with prunes
Dark plum and violet match North African aromatics.
Aged Tomme des Pyrénées
Saline lift and fine grain complement hard mountain cheese.

History

Les Bancèls comes from a 1-hectare north-facing terrace where Syrah and Grenache were replanted 20 years ago. Brigitte blends with Mourvèdre from a due-south plot. The cuvée has become the visual and emotional symbol of Cébène.

2010: First vintage of Les Bancèls released

Facts

Producer: Domaine de Cébène · visiting guide
Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
Classification: AOC Faugères
Oak: Aged in concrete tank and old oak demi-muid; minimal new wood
ABV: 14.0%
Price: €25-35 at retail
Drinking window: 4-12 from vintage
First vintage: 2010
Organic: ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan: Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Les Bancèls

What does Les Bancèls taste like?

Black cherry, violet, garrigue and graphite on the nose; dark plum, thyme, fine-grained tannin and a schist saline lift on the palate. Full-bodied with a long finish.

When should I drink Les Bancèls?

Drink between 4 and 12 years from vintage. The wine benefits from 60-90 minutes of decanting.

What food pairs with Les Bancèls?

Slow-braised lamb shoulder is the canonical match; beef tagine with prunes and aged Tomme des Pyrénées also work well.

Where is Les Bancèls made?

A 1-hectare north-facing terraced plot at Domaine de Cébène in Faugères, blended with Mourvèdre from a due-south plot.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Languedoc

Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour

Day trip3h 30m4.9 from 78 reviewsfrom €85

In a typically Mediterranean landscape, discover two of the region’s greatest treasures on this unforgettable half-day experience combining fine wines, fresh oysters, ...

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