Domaine Tempier

In all of Provence – so famed for its dry rosé wines – Bandol is the one sub-region uniquely praised for red wines. Although Bandol vignerons do produce the obligatory Provençal rosé and small quantities of whites made from Clairette and Bourboulenc, they’re particularly renowned for reds featuring the temperamental Mourvèdre variety. Wines made from this notoriously late-ripening grape can be rich and long-lived, but the fruit must be completely ripe and the vines fully mature to produce viticultural goodness. This isn’t a problem, thanks to Bandol’s sunny, coastal Mediterranean climate, south-facing vineyards, and reflective, pebbly limestone soils. Cinsaut and Grenache Noir are also usually added to soften and round Mourvèdre’s muscular structure. Bandol is also well-known as a coastal resort and for its restanques -the picturesque terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides and overlook the town and the Mediterranean. Like other parts of Provence, tourism provides a ready market for Bandol’s wines. However, encroaching land development constantly threatens the vineyards.