France · Rousillon · Espira-de-l’Agly
In the northern part of Roussillon, between the dramatic landscapes of the Pyrenees and the wild hills of the Corbières, you’ll find Domaine Danjou-Banessy in the Côtes Catalanes, one of the most influential names in French natural wine. The estate is run by brothers Benoît and Sébastien Danjou, who took over the family winery from their grandfather in the early 2000s and have since played an important role in rediscovering Roussillon’s old vines and local grape varieties.
The family has been growing grapes for generations and was historically known for producing the traditional sweet wines of Rivesaltes. Benoît worked alongside his grandfather until the 2000 vintage, while Sébastien later left his job as an English teacher to join the project. Together, they chose a new direction, focusing on dry wines that could express the region’s exceptional terroir and old vines.
Today, the brothers farm around 17–18 hectares of vineyards in Espira-de-l’Agly. Many of the vines are between 60 and 120 years old, planted across a complex mosaic of black schist, limestone, marl and sandstone. Each parcel is vinified separately, as the brothers believe that soil type is just as important as grape variety in defining the identity of a wine.
The vineyards are farmed organically with inspiration from biodynamic practices and without chemical treatments, while the work in the cellar follows the same uncompromising philosophy. The wines ferment spontaneously, often with whole bunches, and are made with minimal intervention to preserve the natural expression of the grapes and terroir.
Domaine Danjou-Banessy works with some of Roussillon’s most distinctive grape varieties, including Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Carignan Noir, Carignan Gris, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Macabeu and Muscat. In particular, the old vines of Carignan and Grenache have helped make the domaine well known among wine lovers around the world.
The wines of Danjou-Banessy combine remarkable concentration with freshness and finesse, a style that has helped change perceptions of what Roussillon is capable of. Today, the brothers are considered among the most significant natural wine producers in southern France, where old vines, biodiversity and respect for the land form the foundation for wines with depth, energy and a distinctive sense of place.
