Description

The red Bandol from Domaine Marie Bérénice is a little gem that truly showcases the Bandol terroir. Combining aromatic complexity, depth and finesse, Damien Roux has created a graceful and harmonious wine that is set to join the appellation’s finest. The wine unashamedly embraces its southern aromatic character: aromas of black fruit, leather, truffle, liquorice and delicately spiced notes. The full-bodied palate combines power and suppleness, enveloped by tightly gripped tannins of extreme finesse, and supported by a superb texture. A few years’ ageing will enhance its qualities. Decanting is essential.

The estate

The Marie Bérénice estate is situated in the heart of the Bandol appellation, between the villages of La Cadière and Le Castellet. The estate is organically farmed across 12 hectares of terraced vineyards, many of which are planted with old vines. The soils are clay-limestone; Mourvèdre expresses its best aromas here, lending the wine power and elegance. The estate also produces organic olive oil. [read more]

In the vineyard, in the cellar

A blend of Mourvèdre (90%) and Grenache (10%). Organic farming. Terraced vineyards with many old vines, on clay-limestone soils where Mourvèdre expresses its best aromas.

What to eat with a Marie Bérénice red Bandol?

• Rabbit stew
• Aubergines stuffed with summer vegetables
• Duck with olives
• Small game birds.

All you need to know about Bandol wines

From the Sainte-Baume massif to the Mediterranean coast, the Bandol vineyards stretch across a 1,600-hectare amphitheatre where vines are everywhere, mostly on terraces (restanques).

Vineyard area

1,600 hectares.

An appellation spanning 8 communes in the Var

Bandol, Le Beausset, Le Castellet, La Cadière d’Azur, Saint Cyr-sur-mer, Sainte-Anne d’Evenos, Sanary-sur-mer and Ollioules.

Three wine colours

rosé wines (74%), red wines (20%), white wines (6%)

The Bandol terroir

mainly marl and limestone. Fairly poor, skeletal soils.

A warm climate

Facing due south towards the sea, the Bandol vineyard enjoys nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

Mourvèdre, the king of grape varieties

The Mourvèdre grape variety is closely associated with the Bandol appellation, where it is the dominant variety. However, there are a dozen other varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, Clairette, Rolle, etc.

Main estates

Pradeaux, Pibarnon, Tempier, Terre Brune, Tour du Bon, Bastide Blanche, Bégude, Gros Noré, Suffrène, Lafran-Veyrolles, Marie Bérénice

Source (For further information): Maison des Vins de Bandol in Le Castellet – Bandol wines