Domaine Tempier - Bandol blanc 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

At Tempier, Mourvèdre reigns supreme. Renowned for producing its finest expression when its head is in the sun and its feet are in the water, it finds an ideal terroir here and the attentive care of a great winemaking family. A historic estate in the Bandol appellation, already in existence during the reign of Louis XV, Tempier has been run by the same family since 1834, first the Tempiers, then the Peyrauds, now assisted by Daniel Ravier, who manages the property with flair and the same high standards as in the beginning. With 38 hectares of vines spread over three communes, the estate produces exclusively Bandol appellation wines, the vast majority of which are reds. The terroir, sheltered from the mistral by the Castellet promontory and perfectly sunny, creates ideal conditions for producing wines that have become legendary.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

A blend of 60% Clairette and 30% Ugni Blanc, complemented by Rolle, Bourboulenc, and Marsanne, Bandol Blanc 2023 exudes a complex and fragrant bouquet of ripe orchard fruits, lemon, acacia flowers, spring flowers, and candied citrus. Medium-bodied, textured, and enveloping, it is delicate with a fleshy mid-palate, lively acidity, and a long mineral finish. This is a stunning white wine that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Tempier is now the benchmark wine of the Bandol vineyard. The Peyraud family has done everything possible to rise to the top of the regional and, above all, local hierarchy. Daniel Ravier, the current director of the estate, initiated this comeback. He launched a major investment program in the cellar, installing modern winemaking equipment, followed by a complete renovation of the cask cellar. Then, of course, he paid particular attention to an exceptional wine-growing heritage consisting of very old Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, and Grenache vines, which produce, among other things, three famous cuvées. La Migoua (10 hectares in Beausset-Vieux, half Mourvèdre complemented by Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah), La Tourtine (5.5 hectares on south-facing terraces in Le Castellet, predominantly Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault), and Cabassaou (1.5 hectares facing south, 95% Mourvèdre with a touch of Syrah and Cinsault). The latest vintages are of a very high standard. The estate has acquired 22 hectares of vines from the La Laidière estate in Sainte-Anne-d'Évenos, mainly for the production of rosés, which means that Tempier now produces more rosés than reds.