Bandol
Bandol wine can be found in the Provence region, and grapes have been grown here since the 6th century B.C. Its location by the sea worked to growers’ advantage as maritime trade developed. In 1870, the region reached its peak acreage but was destroyed by phylloxera. This prompted growers to choose better-suited grape varieties for the climate, which is when Mourvèdre was named the “King Grape” of Bandol.
Thanks to its geographical location by the Mediterranean Sea, the Sainte-Baume mountain and the Mont Caume, Bandol wine grape varieties take on rich aromas and characteristics. The soils in the area are limestone, sandy marl, and sandstone. Interestingly, manual harvest is mandatory in this appellation which means grapes are carefully selected for winemaking.
The majority of red grape plantings are Mourvèdre, followed by Grenache. Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan are also planted in smaller quantities as additional blending grapes. Most of the red wines are aged in oak, which builds on the beauty and complexity of the naturally occurring aromas in the grapes. Aromas of black and red fruit, lavender, violet, cured meats, forest floor, tobacco, leather, and coffee can all be found in all of the area's red wines.
The majority of white grape plantings are Clairette, followed by Rolle / Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc, and Sémillon. White wines tend to take on aromas of apple, pear, tropical fruit, and white flowers. Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvèdre are the primary grapes used in rosé wines, but Bourboulenc, Carignan, Clairette, Syrah, and Ugni Blanc may also be included in the blend. Aromas of red berries and citrus are found in Bandol rosés.
Bandol Grape Varieties & Blends
The primary grape varieties for red wines are Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault. Red Bandol wines must be made up of 50 to 95% Mourvèdre grapes. Secondary grape varieties include Carignan and Syrah, which may not exceed 10% of the blend.White wines are made up primarily of Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Ugni Blanc. Bandol wines must be made up of 50 to 95% Clairette grapes. Secondary varieties are Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Rolle / Vermentino, and Sémillon. These grape varieties may jointly make up 20% of the wine but can never exceed 10% individually.
The primary grape varieties for rosé wines are Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Grenache. Mourvèdre must make up 20 to 95% of the wine. Secondary grape varieties include Bourboulenc, Carignan, Clairette, Syrah, and Ugni Blanc. Similar to the rules for the White wines, secondary grapes may only make up a maximum of 20% of the blend jointly, or 10% individually.
FAQ
Where does Bandol wine originate?
Bandol is located in the department of Var, a region within Provence in southeastern France. Bandol borders the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Sainte Baume mountain and the Mont Caume. Bandol is surrounded by the appellations of Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois, and Cassis.
What does Bandol wine taste like?
Bandol reds are characterised mainly by their spicy and earthy qualities. They have aromas of blackberry, raspberry, white pepper, and anise to name a few. Additional notes of forest floor, tobacco, and cured meats can be found depending on the amount of oak aging. The reds show ripe black and red fruits on the nose that tarts on the palate. They are dry, full bodied, and high in tannins. The white wines are fruity and fresh, with aromas of ripe apple, pear, tropical fruits, lime, and white flowers. Bandol rosés are also fruity and fresh, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and lemon.
Which food groups pair well with Bandol wine?
Bandol reds pair well with red meats like beef, veal, venison, or other game. They are also great with stews and complement spicy, creamy, or saucy dishes beautifully. The earthy and spicy characteristics of the reds make them a perfect pairing for the aforementioned dishes. The rosés and whites are great sipping wines, which make for an excellent apéritif. Their freshness and fruitiness make them a great pairing for seafood and grilled fish.
-
Bandol: Domaine de la Garenne WhiteA dry and fruity wine - Well balanced and with a nice fresh acidulous nose. A complex palate of apple, pear and lime and minerals with a long, persistent and lasting aftertaste.
- £21.10
£0.00- £21.10
- Unit price
- per
-
Bandol: Domaine de la Garenne Cuvee M RoséLight pink robe. Fine and very fruity nose with grapefruit and citrus notes.
- £22.30
£0.00- £22.30
- Unit price
- per
-
Bandol: Domaine de la Garenne RedRuby-intensive, with delicate aromas of red fruit. Tannins with good length on the finish.
- £24.50
£0.00- £24.50
- Unit price
- per
