Domaines Bunan - Mas de la Rouviere - Bandol - Red2019

RED WINE

Appellation

Bandol is the greatest appellation in the Provence. Located near the coast east of Marseille and Cassis, it is one of Provence’s most internationally recognized wine regions. Based around the fishing village of Bandol, west of Toulon, the Bandol AOC covers the production of 8 communes with silicon & limestone soils. Those soils and the warm, coastal climate are ideally suited for the late ripening Mourvèdre grape which is the major varietal of the region. For both the red and rosé wines, Mourvèdre must account for at least 50% of the blend, though most producers will use significantly more, with Grenache & Cinsaut usually filling out the rest of the wine’s composition.

Estate

With its traditional Provencal architecture and 18th century bastide, Château la Rouvière overlooks a hillside lined with low stone walls and faces south with views as far as the limestone ridge above the ‘Bec de l’Aigle’. Owned by the family since 1969, the vineyards are planted with the appellation’s five traditional varietals and fifty year old vine stocks. Its narrow stone walls, each wide enough to fit three rows of vines, rise up along the sunny hillside towards the Château.

Tasting notes

A full-bodied Bandol red wine from the Côte d'Azur, with a deep purple color, and dark aromas of of black fruit, spices, prunes and blackcurrants. Well structured with delicate tannins. Made from a base of Mourvèdre along with lesser volumes of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. It ages well for a decade or more and makes a fine accompaniment to roast beef or lamb or mushroom dishes. The winery has been certified organic since the 2011 vintage.

Vinification

A blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah depending on the vintage. Harvested late and destalked. Macerated for 15 days in wooden cone-shaped tanks. Traditional maturation French oak for 18 months.