Our Wine Choice: Domaine Gilles Troullier Côtes Catalanes L’Esprit du Temps 2021

After spending a week in the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon, France, I have returned to our Hong Kong office, where we have hundreds of wines from varying appellations around the world to sample. Tasting them serves as a delightful reminder of the places I have been to and explored. This week I had the opportunity to taste wines from Gilles Troullier, a French producer based in the Cotes Catalanes region, located inland near the village of Latour de France ­– a significant location for wines in the area.

One particular wine – a cuvee – caught my attention: the Domaine Gilles Troullier Côtes Catalanes L’Esprit du Temps 2021. It stood out because of its exceptional character. While wines from this hilly region typically blend grenache and syrah, boasting rich depth and colors, this wine distinguishes itself by being exclusively crafted from garnacha peluda – a mutation of garnacha known as “downy garnacha” due to the fact that the underside of the leaves has a hairy (“peluda”) appearrance. It is presented without filtration, fining or oak aging, and shows a pale ruby hue. 

The wine exudes purity and transparency, offering aromas reminiscent of small berries, violets and white pepper. Its delicate yet vibrant profile showcases a remarkable finesse and brightness. This agile and contemporary wine introduces a refreshing touch to the ever-evolving Roussillon wine scene.

– Kevin Davy, Tasting Manager