Domaine Vial-Magneres

Domaine Vial-Magnères is a small, family-owned estate established in the early 20th century. Now in its fourth generation, it is run by Olivier Sapéras and Laurent Dal Zovo, who cultivate just under 30 acres of steep, terraced vineyards above Banyuls-sur-Mer and Port-Vendres, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The vineyards are primarily planted with Grenache (in its black, white, and grey varieties), along with smaller plantings of Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. Many of the vines are around 50 years old and grow on ancient schist soils, trained in the traditional gobelet method. The difficult, mountainous terrain means that all vineyard work and harvesting is carried out entirely by hand, with a strong focus on sustainable farming and soil health.

In the cellar, the approach blends tradition with careful precision. The estate was the first to bottle a Banyuls Blanc in 1988 and is particularly celebrated for its Banyuls wines, which range from bright, fruit-driven styles to more complex oxidative Rancio expressions. They also produce dry red and white wines under the Collioure appellation.

Olivier SapérasWinemaker

Banyuls-sur-Merroussillon

DOMAINE VIAL-MAGNERES
2024 AOP Collioure Blanc

Dry White Wine

Pale straw with silver highlights, this 2024 AOP Collioure Blanc opens on a refined and expressive nose. Aromas of delicate white flowers and garrigue rise subtly from the glass, intertwined with hints of citrus zest and coastal freshness.

On the palate, the grey Grenache reveals a distinctive mineral character, carried by a vibrant, saline tension. Naturally bright and precise, the wine underscores its maritime identity with iodized notes, complemented by flavors of white peach, pear, and subtle herbal nuances.

The finish is long and graceful, marked by finesse and delicacy, leaving a lingering impression of freshness, sea spray, and floral lift.

DOMAINE VIAL-MAGNERES
2024 Banyuls Rivage Blanc

Vin Doux Naturel

Pale gold with luminous reflections, this 2024 Banyuls Rimage Blanc, aged in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness and limit oxidation, reveals delicate aromas of pear and apricot alongside subtle white floral and citrus notes, with a gentle saline nuance reflecting its coastal origin.

On the palate, it is bright and sweet, showing a harmonious and well-balanced profile. The texture is smooth and lightly rounded, with flavors of white peach, pear, and ripe apricot unfolding over a fine mineral backbone. Lively acidity brings tension and precision, enhancing the wine’s clarity and freshness.

The finish is elegant and clean, leaving an impression of fruit purity, floral lift, and a discreet iodized touch.

DOMAINE VIAL-MAGNERES
2024 Banyuls Rimage Rouge

Vin Doux Naturel

While the juice is still fermenting on the skins (typically Grenache), neutral alcohol (minimum 96% ABV) is added, which kills the yeast. The wine achieves 16-17% alcohol by volume and retains significant residual sugar, producing a sweet, intense, and fruity, yet structured, wine. By adding alcohol before pressing (sur grains), winemakers extract more tannins and phenolic compounds from the skins compared to adding alcohol to finished juice. After fermentation is stopped, the wine is pressed and aged, often in barrels or, for rancio styles, in sunny, oxidizing conditions. "Rimage" refers to a specific style of Banyuls using mutage sur grains that is often bottled younger to highlight fresh, dark fruit, rather than oxidized notes.

DOMAINE VIAL-MAGNERES
Banyuls Cuvee Gaby Vial (7 years of age)

Vin Doux Naturel

Deep garnet with amber reflections, this Banyuls Cuvée Gaby Vial (7 years of age) reveals an expressive, evolved nose of ripe fig, dried cherry, cocoa, and subtle walnut, lifted by gentle oxidative nuances.

Aged in large oak vats (“foudres”), it preserves the fruity expression of Grenache while gaining depth and complexity through time. On the palate, it is generous and velvety, with delicate notes of fig and walnut unfolding smoothly, becoming particularly inviting in the mid-palate. Hints of stewed fruits, praliné, coffee, and warm spice add further richness and dimension.

The finish is long and harmonious, marked by dried fruit, cocoa, and toasted nuts, leaving a warm, elegant, and balanced impression.