Domaine de la Garenne
Just situated to the north of Bandol near the village of La Cadière you will find the Domaine de la Garenne. Resting in the Saint Côme Valley, the estate was originally owned by Maître Braquéty, an avid hunter of rabbits who bought the wooded area to fuel his hobby, around 200 years ago. His heirs however, not necessarily sharing his passions, purchased the neighbouring land and in 1941, when Bandol gained its appellation status, planted the first vines of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault. Covering a total of 22 hectares within the appellation the vineyards were worked until its first vinification in 1965.
Having taken over from her father 5 years ago the estate is now run by Béatrix de Balincourt, who has enhanced its status as a producer in leaps and bounds through finding new markets and hosting wine tastings at the Chateau Braquéty in a warm and hospitable environment. Although still a majority producer of rosé wine, the Domaine de la Garenne produces a red wine of exceptional value, again due to the tourism market pushing up prices of the rosé. This family Domaine is run by Beatrix de Balincourt in an area situated between Marseilles and Toulon. Known for its rosé wines, the region's rising star is now the Beatrix's Bandol Rouge, made mostly from Mourvedre grapes, which give this wine an entirely different character from its other Southern counterparts. It has a strong taste but it is not a heavy wine, and it demands in-depth exploration.
