Casot des Mailloles Comax Ethylix Syrah 2019

Comax Ethylix is a Vin de France red from Jordi Perez at Casot des Mailloles, sourced from a single parcel in Tarerach, a village at 550-600 meters elevation in the Pyrénées-Orientales, at the border of the Aude and Ariège departments. The vines grow in granitic sandy soils, distinct from the dark schist of the estate's home base in Banyuls-sur-Mer. This altitude and granite combination gives the wine a freshness and lift rarely associated with southern Roussillon Syrah.

Farming is certified organic, with permanent plant cover and horse-drawn tillage under the vine rows. Yields run around 20 hl/ha. Harvest is done by hand. Vinification uses a three-part approach: one third whole clusters, one third destemmed, one third direct press. Maceration is kept short, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is raised in stainless steel vats. No fining, no filtration, no added sulfites.

The wine is labeled Vin de France rather than Collioure AOC, as Casot des Mailloles has historically opted out of the local appellation system. Tasting notes across vintages consistently show bright red fruit, spice, and a firm tannic structure with good energy. Decanting for 20-30 minutes is recommended, especially young.