Domaine de Frégate

A DOMAINE ANCHORED IN AN EXCEPTIONAL SETTING

Domaine de Frégate is located in the heart of the Provence region in the department of Var. In front of all its charm in the beauty of the terraced stones and the limestone soil, as well as the sea breeze, this exploitation extends its vineyard of approximately 26 hectares classified in Bandol AOC in an exceptional landscape. Overlooking the Mediterranean sea, the estate is perched on the hills framing the cove of Port d'Alon.

In these exceptional settings the Domaine de Frégate has several advantages to produce quality grapes. Enjoying 300 days of sunshine per year, the vineyards have an exceptional climate. Thanks to the amphitheater of wooded mountains the vines are protected from the temperature variations. The easterly and south-easterly breezes bring just the right amount of rain. The Mistral, meanwhile, helps to maintain a perfectly healthy climate, even after heavy rainfall. Thanks to the maritime influence of the Mediterranean, the vines are also protected from hot weather. These conditions combined favor the perfect maturity of the grapes.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES OF DOMAINE DE LA FRÉGATE

At Domaine de Frégate, the vines are planted on stony and arid clay-limestone soils. The latter are renowned for their richness in siliceous elements. The vineyards are made up of three main grape varieties:

• Mourvèdre: flagship grape variety of Bandol AOC, this black variety produces conical and compact grape bunches. Thanks to the soil and the climate, Mourvèdre gives its originality to the Bandol wines. At Domaine de Frégate, this grape variety is used up to 75 % in the blends.
  
• Grenache: this black grape variety can be distinguished by its medium or large grape bunches and medium sized grapes. The grapes are concentrated in sugar and produce intensely coloured and fruity wines with little acidity and rich in alcohol.
• Cinsault: low in tannins, this black grape variety is often blended with other varieties. Producing large grapes with very sweet and juicy flesh, this variety brings freshness, fruitiness and a delicate pink colour when vinified as rosé wine.

Besides its main varieties, the domaine uses other grape varieties, notably Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc for its white wines. To be noted that the vineyard of Domaine de Frégate is the only one in Bandol AOC to be located very close to the sea and whose the vinification is done on site. Moreover, the estate is the only one to vinify one hectar of the vines in a private cellar in the commune of Bandol.

BANDOL AOC, THE ONLY APPELLATION SOLD BY THE DOMAINE DE FRÉGATE

Domaine de Frégate is one of the flagship estates in Bandol AOC. The vineyards of this appellation covers around 1500 hectares spread over eight municipalities.

• Bandol
• Saint Cyr-sur-mer
• Le Beausset
• La Cadière d’Azur
• Le Castellet
• Sainte-Anne d’Évenos
• Sanary-sur-mer
• Ollioules

Culminating at aroud 1147 metres, the vineyard descends in terraces towards the Mediterranean Sea, in a natural amphitheater. Protected by the latter, the vines enjoy an exceptional microclimate marked by beautiful sunshine, mild temperatures and the winds from the sea and the land. These climatic conditions favor a perfect balance between aeration and rain.

Thanks to the soils with limited yields, the wines from Bandol are recognized for the richness of their aromas and flavours. The wines from this appellation, transported by boats for a long time in the past, are renowned for their remarkable ageing potential. Thanks to its exceptional terroir but also the controlled production, Bandol AOC is often associated with high quality wines.