{"title":"Bandol","description":"\u003cp\u003eBandol wine comes from Provence's most serious red wine appellation, one of the few places in the world where Mourvèdre takes the lead role. Here you will find red Bandol, Bandol rosé and the rarer white Bandol from producers such as Domaine Tempier, Château Pradeaux, Château Romassan (Domaines Ott) and Domaine Ray-Jane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBandol: a Mediterranean appellation in Provence\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBandol was recognised as an AOC on 11 November 1941, which makes it one of the oldest appellations in Provence. It covers around 1,600 hectares spread over eight communes: Bandol, Le Beausset, Le Castellet, La Cadière-d'Azur, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Sainte-Anne-d'Évenos, Sanary-sur-Mer and Ollioules. The vineyards sit on terraces that form an amphitheatre facing the sea. Stony slopes and long, sunny summers give Mourvèdre the heat it needs to ripen fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Peyraud family of Domaine Tempier is often credited as a driving force behind the appellation. Lucien Peyraud led Bandol's growers from 1945 to 1982 and pushed for Mourvèdre, rather than higher-yielding varieties, to become the signature of the area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMourvèdre gives red Bandol wine its character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rules require red Bandol to contain at least 50 percent \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/mourvedre\"\u003eMourvèdre\u003c\/a\u003e, and many producers go far higher. The rest is usually \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grenache\"\u003eGrenache\u003c\/a\u003e and Cinsault. The red must spend at least 18 months in wood, often in large foudres, before release. The result is a dark, dense wine with notes of blackberry, liquorice, leather and the wild herbs Provence calls garrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung Bandol can be firm and tannic, but it is built to age. With ten to twenty years in bottle the fruit softens and turns spicier, with hints of truffle and forest floor. Château Pradeaux in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is known for exactly this style: the Portalis family has owned the estate since 1752, ferments with whole bunches and ages the red for up to four years in large casks. Domaine Ray-Jane's Cuvée du Falun shows another side of the grape. If you enjoy structured reds from the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rhone\"\u003esouthern Rhône\u003c\/a\u003e, Bandol is a natural next step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBandol rosé and white Bandol\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosé makes up most of Bandol's production, yet it is a different animal from the light summer rosé found across the rest of Provence. Bandol rosé must contain at least 20 percent Mourvèdre, which gives it more body, juiciness and the ability to develop for a few years in bottle. Château Romassan in Le Castellet, owned by Domaines Ott since 1956, makes a rosé with more weight than most. See our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/rose-wine\"\u003erosé wine\u003c\/a\u003e too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Bandol is rare and accounts for only a small share of the appellation. It is based on Clairette, supported by Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc, and smells of citrus, fennel and white flowers with a lightly saline finish. Domaine Tempier Blanc is a fine example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood pairing with Bandol\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Bandol suits lamb with rosemary and garlic, game, beef stews and Provençal dishes such as daube. A mature bottle also handles mushrooms and truffle well. Bandol rosé is versatile enough for a whole meal: try it with bouillabaisse, grilled fish, tapenade, salade niçoise or spiced North African food. White Bandol works with shellfish, fish dressed with olive oil and fresh goat's cheese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBandol wine FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich grape is used in Bandol wine?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main grape is Mourvèdre. Red Bandol must contain at least 50 percent Mourvèdre and rosé at least 20 percent. Grenache and Cinsault are its main partners, while white Bandol is made mostly from Clairette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does Bandol rosé taste like?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBandol rosé is fuller and spicier than most rosés from Provence, with notes of red berries, peach and herbs. It can be drunk young, but many of the best bottles gain complexity after a couple of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long can red Bandol age?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good red Bandol often develops for ten to twenty years, and the best vintages from a traditional house such as Pradeaux can last longer still. Decant a young bottle for a couple of hours before serving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere is Bandol?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBandol lies on the Mediterranean coast in the Var department, between Marseille and Toulon, and is part of the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/provence\"\u003eProvence\u003c\/a\u003e wine region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","products":[{"product_id":"bandol-domaine-tempier-blanc-bandol-2024","title":"Bandol Domaine Tempier Blanc Bandol, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Tempier’s Bandol Blanc 2024 is a distinctive white from one of Provence’s most respected estates, offering the kind of character and finesse that makes Bandol such a treasured appellation. Fresh, refined, and classically Mediterranean in style, it reflects the estate’s long-standing reputation for crafting wines with both personality and pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect a pale, luminous color with a subtle golden sheen. The nose is typically expressive and layered, with notes of white flowers, citrus peel, stone fruit, and a hint of herbs or salinity, giving the wine a distinctly coastal feel.\n\nOn the palate, it is likely to be vibrant and textured, balancing freshness with a rounded, elegant mouthfeel. The finish should be clean and persistent, with enough structure to suggest short- to medium-term aging potential, during which the wine can gain complexity and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduced in Bandol, Provence, where vineyards benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by maritime influence, this white wine is shaped by limestone-rich soils and the estate’s careful vineyard work. Domaine Tempier is known for harvesting with precision and vinifying in a style that preserves freshness, aromatics, and the natural character of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA great match for grilled fish, shellfish, poultry in light cream sauces, or Provençal dishes with herbs and olive oil. Serve well chilled, ideally around 10–12°C, and consider a brief decant if you want to open up its aromas, especially when young.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine Tempier is one of Bandol’s benchmark producers and a historic name in Provence, widely admired for helping establish the reputation of the appellation. The estate has played an important role in defining the region’s identity and continues to be recognized for wines of authenticity, depth, and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Tempier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252646891857,"sku":"MS-82921","price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/82921.png?v=1783445634"},{"product_id":"bandol-domaine-tempier-blanc-bandol-2025","title":"Bandol Domaine Tempier Blanc Bandol, 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Tempier’s Bandol Blanc is a rare and highly sought-after white from one of Provence’s most legendary estates. Known for its balance of freshness, texture, and mineral depth, it offers a distinctly Mediterranean expression that stands apart from more familiar southern French whites. Bandol’s long history and Domaine Tempier’s reputation give this wine a special place among France’s great white wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTypically pale gold in the glass, this wine often shows a luminous, polished appearance. The nose can be expressive and layered, with aromas of citrus blossom, stone fruit, fennel, herbs, and a subtle saline or mineral edge.\n\nOn the palate, Bandol Blanc is usually medium-bodied and beautifully structured, combining ripe orchard fruit and citrus with a creamy, rounded texture and a refreshing line of acidity. Depending on the blend and vintage, it may show hints of Mediterranean herbs, almonds, and a gentle savory finish. While appealing young for its brightness and purity, it can also develop extra complexity with a few years of cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBandol is one of Provence’s most distinctive appellations, shaped by limestone-rich soils, maritime influence, and warm Mediterranean sunshine moderated by cooling sea breezes. Domaine Tempier is known for careful vineyard work and harvesting at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. Vinification is typically carried out with a focus on gentle handling and balance, allowing the character of the terroir to come through clearly in the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine pairs naturally with seafood, grilled fish, shellfish, poultry in light cream sauces, Provençal vegetable dishes, and goat cheese. Serve it well chilled, around 10–12°C, to highlight its freshness and aromatic detail. Decanting is generally not necessary for a young bottle, but a brief aeration can help reveal added complexity if the wine is showing more structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine Tempier is one of the benchmark estates of Bandol and a historic name in Provence. Founded in the 20th century and long associated with the Peyraud family, the domaine helped define the reputation of Bandol as a serious wine region, especially for its Mourvèdre-based reds. Today it remains one of the region’s most admired producers, celebrated for authenticity, longevity, and wines that faithfully reflect their terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Domaine Tempier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252671238481,"sku":"MS-83857","price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/83857.png?v=1783445798"},{"product_id":"domaine-ray-jane-cuvee-du-falun-bandol-rouge-bio-2015","title":"Domaine Ray Jane Cuvée du Falun Bandol Rouge bio 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Ray Jane Cuvée du Falun Bandol Rouge Bio 2015 is a powerful, traditionally crafted red from one of Provence’s most characterful appellations. Sourced from very old, low‑yielding vines rooted in stony, mineral soils, it offers a deeply savoury, mature expression of Bandol. With 90% Mourvèdre supported by Carignan and Grenache, this certified organic cuvée captures the rugged, sun‑drenched essence of the Mediterranean coast while showcasing the age‑worthy pedigree for which Bandol reds are famed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, this Bandol Rouge shows an intense, dark garnet colour with brick‑tinged edges, reflecting its bottle age and concentration. The first impression on the nose is dark cherry fruit, led by the Carignan component, recalling preserved sour cherries and Amarena cherries from a jar. With air, the wine unfolds into deeply savoury and evolved aromas: worn leather, dark chocolate, cured meat, blood sausage and old oak, all wrapped around a core of black fruit. Mourvèdre’s wild, gamey character is front and centre, tempered by subtle spice and earthy minerality.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is full‑bodied, firm and structured, with saturated tannins reminiscent of strong black tea and roasted coffee or mocha. The fruit profile leans toward cherry skin and cherry pits rather than sweet flesh, giving a pleasantly bitter, gastronomic edge that keeps the wine lifted and food‑friendly. A well‑integrated acidity runs through the mid‑palate, balancing the tannins and supporting a long, persistent finish where dark chocolate, savoury leather and mineral notes linger. Having already benefited from several years of bottle age, the 2015 still has the backbone and concentration to evolve further over the next 5–8 years, gaining additional complexity and tertiary nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cuvée du Falun comes from old, gnarled vines planted on stony, mineral‑rich soils in Bandol, a coastal appellation in Provence renowned for Mourvèdre. These demanding, rocky parcels naturally limit yields, concentrating flavour and structure in the grapes. Farmed organically, the vines are tended with respect for the local ecosystem, and the fruit is harvested at optimal ripeness, typically by hand, to preserve berry integrity. In the cellar, Mourvèdre (around 90%) is blended with small portions of Carignan and Grenache (about 5% each), following the traditional Bandol style. Fermentation is carried out in temperature‑controlled vessels, with extended maceration to extract colour, tannin and aromatic depth, followed by ageing in old oak – often large, seasoned barrels – to allow slow oxygen exchange and integration of its robust structure without overt new‑oak flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mature Bandol Rouge is a natural partner for hearty, rustic cuisine. Think slow‑braised lamb shanks, daube provençale, grilled or spit‑roasted meats, game dishes, duck confit, or rich sausages and charcuterie that echo its savoury, meaty nuances. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses, earthy stews, lentil dishes, and mushroom‑based recipes where its leathery, umami character can shine. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and complexity. Given its structure and bottle age, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins; older bottles should be handled gently and may benefit from a brief, careful decant to remove any sediment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDomaine Ray Jane, bottled here under Earl Ray Jane, is one of the long‑standing family estates of Bandol, rooted deeply in the traditions of this small but prestigious corner of Provence. The domaine has built its reputation on unwavering dedication to Mourvèdre and to organic, low‑yield viticulture that lets the region’s sun‑baked, limestone‑rich hillsides speak clearly in the glass. Within Bandol, Ray Jane is regarded as a steadfast guardian of the appellation’s classic style: structured, age‑worthy reds with a distinctive wild, Mediterranean character. Over the years, the estate’s wines have been recognised by enthusiasts and critics alike for their authenticity, longevity and faithful expression of this unique terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Earl Ray Jane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252875972945,"sku":"VC-8253002","price":37.71,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/domaine-ray-jane-cuvee-du-falun-bandol-rouge-bio-2015-0.jpg?v=1791675080"},{"product_id":"bandol-chateau-romassan-bandol-2025","title":"Bandol Château Romassan Bandol, 2025","description":"Bandol Château Romassan Bandol, 2025","brand":"Domaines Ott","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54252990955857,"sku":"MS-83490","price":48.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/83490.png?v=1783448461"},{"product_id":"bandol-chateau-pradeaux-bandol-2018","title":"Bandol Château Pradeaux Bandol, 2018","description":"Bandol Château Pradeaux Bandol, 2018","brand":"Château Pradeaux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54655400378705,"sku":"MS-84973","price":56.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/bandol-chateau-pradeaux-bandol-2018-0.png?v=1791576103"}],"url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/collections\/bandol.oembed","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}