Domaine La Suffrène

Domaine La Suffrène is rooted in several generations, who have cultivated and passed on a treasure shaped by nature over thousands of years. In 1996, Cédric Gravier took over the family business, accompanied by his grandfather, who knew every vine stock. Two generations working in the same direction, feeding off each other to constantly highlight the inexhaustible qualities of this little geological gem. Since the 2020 vintage, the estate's wines have been certified organic (Ecocert).

Domaine La Suffrène extends over 50 hectares in the Bandol AOC, comprising a number of parcels with varied geological characteristics. Most of the production is located between the two rudist (fossiliferous limestone) massifs of Le Castellet, La Cadière and the slopes of Sainte-Anne du Castellet. The Bandol area is renowned for its excellent climate, with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the invigorating influence of the sea air, and rainfall that rarely exceeds 650 mm spread over autumn and winter.

The Domaine La Suffrène vineyard, made up mainly of old vines, is planted in clay-limestone soil, with the sun's rays reflecting intensely off the hillsides, the maritime influence protecting the vines from winter frosts, and the landscape's relief, all of which create ideal conditions for putting sunshine in the bottle. This is where Bandol's flagship grape variety, Mourvèdre, expresses itself in all its richness. It brings structure and finesse to the rosé, and an aromatic palette of spices and licorice to the reds. To balance this expression, it is accompanied by the traditional grape varieties of Provence: Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan.