Bandol

The wine

Facing the Mediterranean between Toulon and Marseille, Bandol is mourvèdre country. This demanding, late-ripening, fleshy grape finds here the intense sunshine, the mistral and the stony soils it needs to express itself fully. Reds, mourvèdre-dominant (50% minimum), are powerful and deep, with dark fruit, spice, garrigue, leather and sometimes truffle with age. They easily surpass twenty years of ageing. Bandol rosés (mourvèdre and cinsault) are among France's greatest, gastronomic and vinous, able to age five to ten years. Pair with bouillabaisse, game stews and traditional Provençal cheeses.