TRAMONTANE
Argelès-sur-Mer - CôTES DU ROUSSILLON
In 2006 Phillippe Gard (of Coume del Mas) and Andy Cook (former importer, retailer and wine judge in Scotland) launched this range of wines. Andy trained in winemaking in New Zealand and handles each harvest with a focus on purity and varietal expression. The resulting wines are pristine and vivid, brushed bright with energetic natural acidity. The Macabeu is coiled underneath fleshy lemon and some tropical fruits while the red Grenache is of the darkly fruited kind. Andy’s Grenache/Shiraz Rosé is gently extracted and a joy to drink.
THE WINES
Tramontane Côtes Catalanes IGP Macabeu
This is a sumptuously textured Macabeu from old vine plots around Argelès in the foot hills of the Pyrenees. Aged in stainless steel on its fine lees, Tramontane Blanc is a lovely Mediterranean white, full of citrus oil and orchard fruit flavours.
Tramontane Côtes du Roussillon AOP Rosé
Old-vine Grenache and Syrah are the backbone of this gorgeous little wine. Low yield fruit depth meets freshness in an effortless way. Drink year round on its own or with seafood dishes – This is not just another weedy French pink.
Tramontane Côtes Catalanes IGP Grenache Noir
The entry level range from gun producer Coume del Mas is astoundingly good for the money. Honest, no frills winemaking in stainless steel (no sticky oak coating) and excellent old-vine fruit is a winning combination. It is vivid and lively with a full, fruit-packed palate – an extraordinary example of Roussillon Grenache.
“Sumptuous old vine grenache vines in the foothills of the Pyrenees, grown on clay-limestone soil give a nose of dark minerals, with dense red plum fruit, curiously powerful but still smooth, with no oak aging here this grenache is a pure expression of the terroir.” - City Wine Shop, Melbourne
THE FORTIFIEDS
NV Tramontane Banyuls Rouge ‘Tradition’ (750ml)
Banyuls wines are produced from intense, extremely ripe Grenache Noir that is fortified at around 8% with a neutral grape spirit. Akin to Port in some respects, these wines however, are lower in alcohol and much ‘finer’, fresher and balanced. True Mediterranen treasures. ‘Tradition’ is a NV wine that goes through many years of oxidative ageing in various barrels. Match with cured meats, nuts and cheeses.
"There is a lot going on here in this oxidative style of Banyuls. Dried figs, dates, kirsch and notes of caramel and dark chocolate combine with fine elegance and persistence. Tannins have fully integrated after 5 years in oak foudres and finishes with a fine medicinal finish." - Matt Stubbs MW & Tim Atkin MW, Languedoc Report.
FURTHER READING
For further reading on Tramontane follow the links below: