# Bandol Rouge (2020)

- **Producer:** Domaine de la Bastide Blanche
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Syrah
- **Region:** Provence, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, black pepper, liquorice, lavender, herbaceous, cedar, charred wood, smoke, leather, game, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Domaine de la Bastide Blanche was established in 1972 by Michel and Louis Bronzo, with the goal of producing wines of appellation-level excellence in Bandol. Located in Sainte-Anne-de-Castellet, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate where the Mediterranean breeze cools the sun-drenched clay-limestone soils. Under organic cultivation, the estate focuses heavily on Mourvèdre, the king grape of Bandol, which thrives in these stony, terraced vineyards. The 2020 vintage represents a classic expression of this rugged terroir, showcasing the power, structure, and aging potential that has made the estate a benchmark for southern French reds.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's vineyards are planted on steep, hand-built stone terraces called 'restanques' to prevent soil erosion.
- Domaine de la Bastide Blanche has been certified organic (Ecocert) since 2012, emphasizing biodiversity.
- Bandol AOC regulations require a minimum of 18 months of wood aging for red wines, which this estate proudly exceeds.

## Food pairing

The intense structure, high tannins, and rich dark fruit profile of this Bandol Rouge require equally robust, protein-rich dishes. The proteins and fats in red meats like lamb and beef bind with the wine's firm tannins, softening them on the palate and highlighting the wine's complex herbal and spicy undertones.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and undergo strict sorting. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using native yeasts to preserve the purity of the fruit and terroir expression. Maceration is long, lasting up to several weeks to extract the deep color and robust tannins characteristic of Mourvèdre. The wine is then aged for a minimum of 18 to 20 months in large oak foudres (casks) rather than small barriques, allowing for gentle micro-oxygenation without imparting overpowering oak flavors, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.