History: Bandol, situated in the heart of Provence in south-eastern France, boasts a rich wine-making tradition that dates back centuries. Gaining its official appellation status in 1941, Bandol has been recognized for its unique and diverse wines.
Location: The region envelops the coastal town of Bandol and spans across eight communes in the Var department, notably Le Beausset, La Cadière-d’Azur, Le Castellet, and Évenos. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea blesses the vineyards with maritime influences.
Soil and Climate: The Bandol terroir thrives on its coastal mountain ranges and ridges, which create distinct mesoclimates. The vineyards bask in the warmth offered by the Mediterranean, moderated by its proximity. Importantly, the region is shielded from the cold northern winds by geographical giants like the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume, and the Chaîne de Saint-Cyr. This ensures a stable, warm environment, crucial for the reliable ripening of the region’s signature grape, Mourvèdre.
Grape Varieties: Bandol takes pride in its red wines dominated by the spicy Mourvèdre grape, which, by regulation, constitutes at least 50% of the blend. Grenache, another key player, finds its home on the cooler northern slopes, while Mourvèdre thrives on the warmer southern terrains. Cinsaut adds to the red blend’s complexity, occasionally supplemented by Carignan and Syrah.
The Bandol rosés, renowned for their earthy and spicy nuances, primarily comprise Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsaut. On the white wine front, Clairette is predominant, making up between 50 to 90 percent of Bandol blancs. This is complemented by Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc, and traces of Marsanne, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.
Taste Profile: Red wines from Bandol, characterized by the dominant Mourvèdre grape, offer a robust and spicy flavor profile. Rosés bring to the table a distinguished earthy and spicy charm. The whites, led by Clairette, encapsulate a crisp and aromatic palate, accentuated by their diverse grape blend.
