Amistat is a small yet passionate winery in the Aspres region of Roussillon, just north of the Spanish border, where the rugged landscape and Mediterranean influence shape its distinctive wines. Founded in 2011 by Julien Ditte, with the help of his good friend Olivier Cazenave, Amistat is dedicated to expressing the purest essence of Grenache through a minimal-intervention approach. With only four hectares of old vines rooted in brown schist soils, the estate is farmed organically, emphasizing biodiversity and natural balance. Winemaking follows the same philosophy - harvesting is done entirely by hand, fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts, and aging takes place in neutral vessels to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Sulfur is used only in minuscule amounts when absolutely necessary, ensuring the wines remain vibrant and unadulterated. Producing just 8,000 bottles per year, Amistat crafts wines that are both soulful and precise, showcasing the depth and energy of this sun-drenched Catalan terroir. Though classified as Vin de France to allow complete creative freedom, the wines remain deeply rooted in the character of Roussillon, reflecting a commitment to authenticity and place.
amistat 'altramista' blanc
grenache gris, macabeu, grenache blanc The Altramista Blanc is a fresh yet textural expression of 80% Grenache Gris, 15% Macabeu, and 5% Grenache Blanc, sourced from 45- to 60-year-old vines. Hand-harvested and left whole-cluster, the grapes undergo a gentle press followed by a five-day cold maceration on the juice. Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts lasts about 20 days, with the wine fermenting (some in steel) and aging in 600-liter old French oak barrels for nine months, undergoing regular bâtonnage. No sulfites were used at bottling, and it then rested for 3 months before being released to market. The entire meticulous process results in a wine that is vibrant and lifted, with citrus zest, white peach, and delicate floral notes on the nose. The palate is layered and complex, offering a cool, almost saline texture, subtle spice, and a lingering finish that balances freshness with depth. |
amistat 'altramista' rouge
syrah The Altramista Rouge is a pure and expressive Syrah from 25-year-old vines in Espira-de-l’Agly, sourced from a close friend's parcel. Hand-harvested, the grapes ferment naturally for 15 days in stainless steel, with the first 8 days spent on the skins before a gentle pressing. Malolactic fermentation and aging take place in 600-liter French oak barrels, where the wine rests for nine months. Only a nominal dose of sulfites was added after the harvest, but none thereafter. After the aging, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered and after a three months of rest, the wine opens with dark berry fruit, violets, and a hint of spice and black pepper, all lifted by a fresh, mineral edge. The palate is vibrant and well-balanced, with a refined tannic structure, subtle oak influence, and a long, savory finish that hints at wild herbs and earthy spice. |