Cave de l’Abbe Rous

Based above the seaside resort of Banyuls-sur-Mer, Terres des Templiers since its inception has primarily sold and marketed its range of wines from Banyuls and Collioure to private individuals through a network of agents around the various regions of France. Or sold from the cellar door on the back of a healthy, seasonal tourist trade. Cave de l’Abbe Rous was established more recently as a separate division of Terres de Templiers to develop an active wholesale and export business. In 1950 by the Groupement Interproducteurs du Cru Banyuls (CICB); a collection of five separate co-operatives, came together to promote the wines of the region. In 1964, they erected their grand cave on the hairpin bends of the Mas Reig above the town. The cellar contains over 1,000 cuves, foudre and fûts de bois, including one huge vat, believed to be the biggest wooden vessel of its kind in the world.