La Bastide Blanche, Bandol Rouge, Provence, France, 2020

Producer Profile

La Bastide Blanche is a family-owned estate located in Sainte-Anne-du-Castellet, in the heart of the Bandol appellation.

Established in 1972, the estate produces red, white, and rosé wines with a focus on showcasing the unique character of the region’s terroir. Set against the foothills of the Sainte-Baume mountain range and just seven kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards benefit from limestone scree soils and an ideal microclimate.

Viticulture

The estate cultivates a variety of grape types, including Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, and most notably, Mourvèdre—the signature grape of Bandol. All grapes are hand-harvested in accordance with AOC Bandol regulations. This manual approach allows for careful selection in the vineyard, ensuring that only the highest-quality fruit is used in winemaking. La Bastide Blanche is committed to sustainable viticulture and certified organic across its entire production. The team continually refines both vineyard and cellar practices to preserve the environment and prioritise the health of consumers, without compromising on quality.

Winemaking

The wine underwent total destemming before being transferred to vats for 25 days, with regular pumping over to ensure optimal extraction. No indigenous yeasts were added during fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place naturally in casks, followed by an aging period of 19 months in casks ranging from 13 to 80 hectoliters.

Tasting Note

The wine displays a vibrant purple hue. On the nose, it reveals pronounced aromas of black fruits, enhanced by subtle hints of liquorice that emerge with aeration. The palate is both fresh and concentrated, supported by refined tannins and culminating in an elegant floral and spicy finish.

Food Matching

For a vegetarian option, pair it with roasted root vegetables and savory herbs to highlight the wine’s floral and spicy nuances.