Domaine Tempier, located in the heart of the Bandol appellation, was established by the Tempier family in 1834. The domaine won its first gold medal in 1885 and is one of the few 19th-century family-run wine estates that has stayed true to its past.

According to historians, Bandol’s first vines were planted around since 600 BC and the Romans exported the local wines from Bandol harbor. On 11 November 1941, Bandol was granted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee) status.

Domaine Tempier’s 38 hectares are spread over several parcels facing the sea on steep, sun-drenched slopes. It is made up of a patchwork of vineyards, the main ones being La Migoua in Le Beausset-Vieux and La Tourtine and Cabassaou in Le Castellet, as well as the house in Le Plan du Castellet. The Mourvedre grape thrives on the Bandol terroir of rocky landscapes and hundred-year-old terraces. It is combined with Grenache to give the wine body and fruit, and with Cinsault which provides refinement and balance. The dark-colored Mourvedre gives the Bandol red wines their structure and elegance as well as their capacity to age well.

The grapes used to make Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose come from selected parcels where the vines average 20 years old. The yields are low, which explains the intense concentration and distinct expression of each varietal in this wine. The Mourvedre gives this rose its strong character, balance and complexity. Fruity and floral on the nose, the palate is rounded and full with flavors of peach and pomegranate, followed by delicate spice notes and a pleasant, crisp freshness.

The grapes for the rose are harvested by hand. In the ripening process, the estate aims for a hint of freshness with some acidity and slightly less alcohol than for the red wines. The harvest takes place over a one-month period from the last week of August onwards. Harvested into 30kg crates, grape selection takes place in the vineyard and in the chai (winery). After full de-stemming, the grapes are pressed to obtain their juice and cold maceration is performed to extract the fruit aromas and achieve the desired pale color. Vat bleeding techniques are rarely used. The wine is then vinified by the traditional method used for making white wine, with careful temperature control. The rose is stored in concrete vats for 8 months before bottling.

The 2022 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose is a captivating wine that embodies the essence of Provence. With its delicate pink hue, it is a visual delight that immediately evokes thoughts of warm summer days spent lounging in the French countryside. This proprietary blend showcases the expertise and craftsmanship of Domaine Tempier, a renowned producer in the Bandol region.

On the nose, the aromas of this Bandol Rose are simply breathtaking. It opens with vibrant notes of grapefruit, spring flowers, guava, lemon, and a hint of iodine. These aromatics create a symphony of scents that dance gracefully in the glass, enticing the senses and promising a truly remarkable tasting experience.

The palate of this wine is equally impressive. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a fleshy core of fruit that is perfectly balanced with racy acids. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious texture that lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression. The finish is nothing short of extraordinary, with impressive substance and depth that reveal the potential for further aging.

While the 2022 Bandol Rose is already a superb wine, it is recommended to exercise patience and allow it a few years in the bottle to fully develop. This wine has the potential to evolve and gain even more complexity, showcasing the exceptional quality and longevity that is characteristic of Domaine Tempier.

This wine has been highly praised by wine critic Yohan Castaing of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, who awarded it an impressive score of 93 points. His tasting note describes it as a classic Bandol, further affirming its exceptional qualities.

In conclusion, the 2022 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose is a wine that exemplifies the elegance and finesse of the Provence region. With its stunning aromas, balanced palate, and impressive aging potential, it is a true gem that will undoubtedly captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.