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's vineyards are situated in the foothills of the Sainte-Baume Mountain, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and ideal growing conditions. The soil in this area is primarily limestone scree, a type of rocky soil that is particularly well-suited for grape cultivation. The vines are carefully tended and meticulously harvested from 30-year-old vines, ensuring that they reach peak ripeness before being brought to the winery.

Winemaking

Grapes are carefully transported to the winery, where they are gently destemmed, then transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Fermentation with natural yeasts. Then, regular punch-downs of the cap to ensure even extraction and aged in oak barrels for 12 months. 12 months ageing in French oak barrels, with a mix of new and used wood.

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.