New Releases from Bandol's Domaine Tempier

Domaine Tempier is a family-owned estate that needs little introduction. Covering 60 hectares and sprawling across five villages - just north of Bandol in Provence - this famous Domaine is certified organic and biodynamic principles are also employed in the vineyard, albeit without certification. Especially known for their rosés, Bandol is an appellation capable of producing stunning whites and reds as well, as proven by these latest releases from Domaine Tempier.

For the red wines Mourvèdre is the dominant grape variety, making up at least 50% of the blend; other permitted varieties include Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. In practice, most of the reds are 80% or more Mourvèdre. Most of the reds are aged in larger casks (foudres), with a minimum of 18 months of élévage required. The whites are minimum 50% Clairette, have less stringent aging requirements and rarely see oak at all.

Of the three reds on offer here, Lulu & Lucien is Tempier's classic cuvée - a blend of different terroirs from the Estate which has become their signature blend over the years. The other two reds - La Migoua and La Tourtine - are site-specific blends that truly express the uniqueness of each site given by the different soil profile, elevation and exposure to both sun and wind. Their Blanc comes from a cooler site mostly used to emphasize the freshness of white and rosé wines, as historically this terroir was considered the reference for Bandol in these two colours.