# Château la Rouvière Rouge (2016)

- **Producer:** Domaines Bunan
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Mourvèdre, Syrah
- **Region:** Provence, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, black pepper, black cherry, liquorice, cloves, vanilla, cedar, smoke, tobacco, mushroom, earth, undergrowth, forest floor

## About this wine

Château la Rouvière Rouge 2016 is a red wine from the AOP Bandol appellation in Provence, France, produced by Domaines Bunan. The Bunan family has a long history of winemaking, emphasizing respect for the vine and its environment through organic and biodynamic practices. The wine's identity is shaped by the unique terroir of Château la Rouvière, characterized by steep, sun-drenched terraces with limestone, sandstone, and marl soils. Mourvèdre is the dominant grape variety, often complemented by Syrah, with the estate's oldest Mourvèdre vines reaching approximately 50 years of age. Domaines Bunan's commitment to sustainable viticulture, including organic certification, is a cornerstone of their winemaking philosophy.

## Interesting facts

- Château la Rouvière's oldest Mourvèdre vines are around 50 years old.
- Domaines Bunan has been practicing organic farming since 2008.
- Bandol wines are celebrated for their exceptional aging capabilities.
- Mourvèdre is often called the 'king' of the Bandol appellation.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can cut through fat and complement the savory flavors. The wine's inherent spice and earthy notes can echo or contrast with herbs and spices in the food, creating harmonious pairings.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Château la Rouvière Rouge involves long maceration in truncated wooden vats, followed by fermentation traditionally carried out in vats and barrels. Aging typically occurs in oak barrels for 18 months or more, contributing to the wine's structure and aging potential. Domaines Bunan adheres to organic farming practices, excluding synthetic pesticides and herbicides, and holds biological culture certification. Their approach emphasizes nurturing healthy vines to achieve a pure expression of the terroir.