Domaine Tempier 'Bandol Rosé 2025'

Domaine Tempier is the benchmark estate of Bandol and one of the most respected rosé producers in the world. The estate dates back to 1834 and became its legendary self when Lucie 'Lulu' Tempier married Lucien Peyraud in 1936. Lucien was fascinated by the Mourvèdre grape and became the great champion of this variety, which he saw as the heart of Bandol. In 1941, he helped officially establish the Bandol appellation; on October 27, 1943, he bottled the estate's very first wine — a rosé. Today, the 38 hectares of organically and biodynamically cultivated vineyards span five communes around Le Plan du Castellet. The rosé is a blend of approximately 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 20% Cinsault, made by direct pressing (65%) and macerated juice (35%), aged in stainless steel and concrete.

Description: Pale salmon pink with aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, citrus blossom, garrigue, and a light spiciness. Full and juicy on the palate, with a beautiful structure, dry fresh acidity, and a long, complex finish with hints of spices and salty minerality.

Pairs well with: Grilled lamb, Provençal bouillabaisse, roasted chicken with herbs, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, or a seafood platter.

Fun fact: Robert Parker described Tempier's Bandol Rosé as "always one of my favorite estates — Domaine Tempier's rosé remains one of the world's reference points for how much flavor and character you can build into a rosé wine. Rarely does it get stronger than that."