Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles Bandol Rosé, Bandol, Provence, France 2022

Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles Bandol Rosé, Bandol, Provence, France 2022

With origins dating back to the first half of the 17th century by founder Melchior Safran, the domaine has been registered to his heirs since 1641, the date upon which it was designed as: land, a country house, vineyard, olive grove, and filbert grove. The soils ar carefully preserved by light work in the autumn and spring to maintain the mineral complexity. The low yields mean all the personality of this vineyard terroir is highly concentrated in the grapes.

The clay slopes receive sunrise exposure each day from the Bay of Bandol and the rocky inlet of the Port of Alone. The limestone subsoil and chalky marl make it the favourite of the Mourvèdre grape, the king variety in the Bandol wine region. “Feet in the water, the head in the sun!” There is no better way to characterize this native Mediterranean variety native. 

Harvested as soon as they ripen, the bunches are hand-collected and placed in small transport boxes. At the winery, the produce is fully respected to produce white and rosé wines through direct pressing and red wines with long maceration periods of 18 to 24 months in oak barrels to enhance their complexity.

Winemaker: Jean-Marie Castell

Farming: Organic

Varieties:  70% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, 15% Cinsault

Vinification/Aging: 80% direct-press and 20% saignée (24 hour maceration), followed by fermentation in a thermoregulated vat at low temperature (18ºC). 6 months in vat. Bottled by gravity.

Tasting Notes: Pale in color, with delicate herbal and floral notes. White pepper, stone fruit, and spice on the palate. Pairs beautifully with light summer dishes, particularly seafood.