Description

This Bandol rosé from Domaine Marie Bérénice0 ranks among Provence’s finest wines for fine dining. It showcases the full range of expression of Mourvèdre (80%), complemented by Grenache (20%). The wine boasts a brilliant pink colour with lovely depth and a slight salmon hue. In its youth, the aromatic palette ranges from notes of citrus, white peach and dried apricot to a delicate scent of old-fashioned roses. On the palate, it is full-bodied, complex and slightly spicy. Its freshness, richness, clarity and finesse will pair beautifully with octopus in tomato and cumin sauce or Provençal stuffed vegetables.

The estate

Marie Bérénice is situated in the heart of the Bandol appellation, between the villages of La Cadière and Le Castellet, on a 12-hectare organic vineyard comprising terraced plots with numerous old vines, planted on clay-limestone soils where Mourvèdre expresses its finest aromas, lending the wine both power and elegance. The Marie Bérénice estate also produces organic olive oil. [read more]

Method of working

The Bandol rosé from Marie-Bérénice in details :

• A blend of Mourvèdre (80%) and Grenache (20%).
• 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 Bandol rosé

• Octopus with tomato and cumin
• Provençal stuffed vegetables
• Fish in sauce
• Simple grilled dishes
• Tapas with avocado, tomatoes and pesto
• Small stuffed vegetables from Provence
• Pistou soup
• Aubergine stuffed with summer vegetables

All 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 per year.

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