Bandol

Bandol is the largest and best-known appellation in Provence. From the Sainte-Baume massif to the Mediterranean coast, vines are a familiar sight everywhere. Facing south, the terroir overlooks the sea and enjoys exceptional sunshine, with nearly 3,000 hours per year. A decree dated November 11, 1941, created the appellation contrôlée " Vin de Bandol" or " Bandol " for certain wines harvested in the municipalities of Bandol, Le Beausset, La Cadière-d'Azur, Le Castellet, Evenos, Ollioules, Sanary-sur-Mer, and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer in the Var department.

In a natural amphitheater, the Bandol vineyard is terraced over approximately 1,500 hectares. These landscapes are the result of the perseverance of generations of winegrowers: over the centuries, they had to sculpt the hillsides in order to be able to work the vines. This work allows us today to enjoy very high-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.

In Bandol, the unique geology and microclimate create an ecological niche where its strong personality flourishes. Through their passion for it, winegrowers have made Bandol the terroir of choice for Mourvèdre. Their perfect mastery of this unique grape variety is now internationally recognized. The appellation rules require a minimum of 50% Mourvèdre and 18 months of barrel aging before the red wines, which make up the majority of the appellation, can be sold. Syrah and Grenache complete the blends of Bandol wines.