Côtes Catalanes IGP “Esprit de L’Horizon Blanc” (2022) - Domaine de l’Horizon

Domaine de l’Horizon is one of the best-established estates in Roussillon, with a biodynamic approach and a limited production in order to express the terroir at its best. Macabeu is a grape variety typical of French and Spanish Catalonia, known for its acidity and freshness, while Grenache Blanc adds structure and aromatic complexity.

The appellation: Côtes Catalanes IGP

The Côtes Catalanes IGP is a Protected Geographical Indication in the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales, in southern France, close to the border with Spain. This zone is part of the Languedoc-Roussillon and is strongly influenced by Catalan culture, by the Mediterranean Sea and by the presence of the Pyrenees. This IGP is known for the great expressive freedom of its producers, who can vinify as a single variety or as a blend, with a wide choice of native and international grapes. The wines of the Côtes Catalanes are often sunny, generous, complex and deeply Mediterranean.

What to eat with Côtes Catalanes IGP “Esprit de L’Horizon Blanc”

Who makes it: Domaine de l’Horizon

Domaine de l’Horizon was set up in 2006 at Calce, in the heart of the Roussillon, on the initiative of Thomas Teibert, a German winemaker fascinated by the potential of the Catalan terroir. From the outset, the aim has been to make authentic, mineral wines with full respect for the environment. The estate’s philosophy is based on:Certified biodynamic viticulture, with no pesticides or chemical fertilisers. Minimal intervention in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentations and reduced use of sulphur. Championing old native vines, on poor soils full of energy.

The vine of Côtes Catalanes IGP “Esprit de L’Horizon Blanc”

Macabeo

Macabeo is a white grape variety native to north-eastern Spain, today widely grown in several Spanish regions and in southern France. It is an extremely versatile grape, able to give young, fresh and floral wines but also complex, long-lived ones, especially when aged in wood or on the lees. It is one of the three key varieties in the traditional blend for Cava, the Spanish traditional method sparkling wine. In Rioja, where it is known as Viura, it is used to make dry whites but also richer, more complex versions that evolve splendidly over time.

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc is the white-berried version of the famous Grenache Noir, native to Spain (where it is known as Garnacha Blanca) but today grown mainly in southern France, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon, the southern Rhône Valley and parts of Provence. It is a variety that loves a hot, dry climate, and it gives rich, round and structured wines, often marked by notes of white-fleshed fruit, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and a pleasant minerality. It can be vinified as a single variety or used in blends with varieties such as Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Macabeu.

Côtes Catalanes IGP “Esprit de L’Horizon Blanc”: the area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Sea

Profile of Côtes Catalanes IGP “Esprit de L’Horizon Blanc”

Primary aromas: Citrus (lemon, citron, grapefruit), White-fleshed fruit (pear, white peach) and Mediterranean herbs (thyme, rosemary)

Secondary aromas: Mineral notes (flint, chalk) and Hints of almond and wild flowers

Tertiary aromas: Nuances of honey and dried fruit with ageing

Tasting notes: L'Esprit de L'Horizon Blanc 2022 is a wine that perfectly expresses the mineral, Mediterranean character of Roussillon. On the palate it is fresh and savoury, with an elegant structure and a perfect balance between acidity and aromatic complexity. The sip is broad, with notes of citrus and white fruit, followed by a long mineral and slightly saline finish.