Bandol

Bandol is Provence's largest and best-known appellation. From the Sainte-Baume massif to the shores of the Mediterranean, vines make their familiar presence felt everywhere. Facing due south, the terroir looks out to sea and enjoys exceptional sunshine of almost 3,000 hours a year. A decree dated November 11, 1941 created the appellation contrôlée " Vin de Bandol " or " Bandol " for certain wines harvested in the communes of Bandol, Le Beausset, La Cadière-d'Azur, Le Castellet, Evenos, Ollioules, Sanary-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer in the Var department.

Set in a natural amphitheater, the Bandol vineyards are terraced over some 1,500 hectares. These landscapes are the result of the perseverance of generations of winegrowers: over the centuries, they have had to sculpt the slopes in order to work the vines. As a result, today we can enjoy top-quality wines from such renowned estates as Château de Pibarnon, Domaine Ott, Domaine La Suffrène, Domaine Tempier, Château Vannières, Château Pradeaux, Domaine la Bastide Blanche and Domaine de la Bégude.

Bandol's unique geology and microclimate create an ecological niche where its strong personality flourishes. Bandol's winegrowers have made Mourvèdre their terroir of choice. Their perfect mastery of this singular grape variety is now internationally recognized. The appellation's rules require a minimum of 50% Mourvèdre and 18 months barrel ageing before red wines, the majority of the appellation's wines, can be marketed. Syrah and Grenache complete the blends of Bandol wines.