All About the Bandol Rosé Wines

The appellation produces red wines, numerous rosé wines and some rare white wines.

Red grape varieties of the appellation:

1. Mourvèdre (minimum 50% for red wines)
2. Grenache
3. Cinsaut
4. Syrah/Shiraz
5. Carignan

White grape varieties of the appellation:

1. Clairette blanche
2. Trebbiano/Ugni blanc
3. Bourboulenc
4. Sauvignon

Bandol is the home of Mourvèdre. This grape variety, which is vinified on its own or frequently with Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan, produces red wines and delicious rosé wines with a strong personality. These are wines for ageing. The rosé wines, produced by direct pressing, are characterised by their beautiful, intense colour, typical of Mourvèdre.

This powerful yet extremely delicate grape variety needs warmth and sunshine to best express its terroir. It even likes dry, stony soils. It has to be said that it is very expressive when it comes to transcribing the particularities of a given soil and climate, especially in this region where the winds are from the sea.

Bandol AOC wines are typical of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Of the three wine colours, rosé occupies an increasingly important place in terms of volume and quality, alongside the powerful, full-bodied red Bandols that have made the appellation famous for their ageing potential. This structure and ageing potential is due to a local grape variety that gives the wine all its power: Mourvèdre. Mourvèdre is one of the oldest grape varieties grown in Provence, with its bluish grapes and melting, juicy pulp under a thick skin.

While it gives red wines a velvety appearance, a deep colour, bouquet aromas, plenty of body and a harshness that is corrected by blending with Grenache and Cinsaut, it gives rosé wines a beautiful structure and a longer life. These rosé wines are full of personality, making them one of the finest wines for ageing and gastronomy. It's thanks to Mourvèdre that the winemakers shape the identity of the appellation's wines.