Domaines Bunan - Mas de la Rouviere - Bandol - Rose 2018

Vinification

Late harvested, completely destalked, organically-grown grapes are fermented over two weeks in stainless steel vats. The wine is blended late in January and bottled from May onwards.

Tasting notes

This blend benefits from that grape's intense perfume and structure. It is rich with red fruits and tannins, both of which suggest a wine that could age a few months. It is a full-bodied rose and does need food to be fully appreciated.

Appellation

Bandol is the greatest appellation in the Provence. Located near the coast east of Marseille and Cassis, it is one of Provence’s most internationally recognized wine regions. Based around the fishing village of Bandol, west of Toulon, the Bandol AOC covers the production of 8 communes with silicon & limestone soils. Those soils and the warm, coastal climate are ideally suited for the late ripening Mourvèdre grape which is the major varietal of the region. For both the red and rosé wines, Mourvèdre must account for at least 50% of the blend, though most producers will use significantly more, with Grenache & Cinsault usually filling out the rest of the wine’s composition.

History

Throughout the ages, the lords of the medieval Chateau of le Castellet kept their table supplied with the wines from the terraces which are now overlooked by this 18th century manor house built in typical Provencal style. In 1969, Paul and Pierre Bunan undertook the task of renewing the vine stocks and today, the estate comprises the five classic strains for this classification, together with a proportion of Syrah grapes which contribute significantly to the character of the Mas’s red wines.

France Provence Bandol