La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose 2023
Provence’s leader in concentrated and age-worthy red wines, Bandol is home to the dense, deep and earthy Mourvèdre grape. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol produces characterful reds that, while approachable in their youth, are typically designed for the cellar.
Given its coastal, Provencal situation, Bandol also naturally produces an assortment of charming, aromatic rosés made of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault.
Provençal rosés are often touted as being the best in the world, and the Bandol region produces wines possessing power and depth of flavor, while holding it all together elegantly. Bandol is unique in France in that it is the only area in which the mourvèdre grape must be dominant (at least 50%). The region is ideal for this sometimes difficult-to-mature grape. The warm summer days and stony soils are the perfect marriage for the heat-loving grape, allowing it to fully mature before harvest. While the area is quite warm, cooling breezes and humidity from the ocean help regulate climate.
La Bastide Blanche is a great example of the quality found in this region, and is the work of Michel & Louis Bronzo, who purchased this property in the early 1970s with their father, Baptistin. This organic blend of mourvèdre, cinsault, grenache, and clairette from clay-limestone soils is elegant, juicy and structured. Complex notes of strawberry and tangerine zest mingle with herbes-de-Provence, tarragon, and white pepper on a mineral-driven frame. A wonderful match with food. Certified organic, certified biodynamic.
