Winter Warming Bandol
ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ ᴡᴀʀᴍɪɴɢ ᴡɪɴᴇ ᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ a Bandol red that definitely fits into this category.
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Bandol is quintessential mediterranean and the ideal playground for thick skinned grapes such as Mouvèdre. An important and highly regarded AOC in Provence producing top quality red and rosé wines. It boasts 2,800 hours of sunshine which bounces off of land and sea aiding in ripening the grapes to perfection. The northern Mistral winds sweep in from the Rhône which cools down temperatures and heat induced to the vine as well as reduces risk of rot and final disease and slows down the grapes from over-ripening. The soils are a combination of limestone, schist and resiny plants such as wild thyme, rosemary and lavender all contribute to the regions distinctive character. Mouvèdre is a reductive grape that can have a farm barnyard aroma to it. It’s menacingly distinctive in a powerful bold way. It however partners very well with the lush fruit and fatty energy of Grenache which tones down its flexing muscles.
Domaine Les Luquettes Bandol Rouge 2019
Sophie Cachard, a #vigneronne to watch with over two centuries of chemical free, low intervention organic winemaking at the family domaine. She continues the family’s heritage of chemical free, organic & biodynamic farming as well as massale selection of their 80+year old vines in Bandol, France, home to top quality regional red and rosé wines. Both her cellar and press were built in 1852; Sophie continues to make wine in the cellar surrounded by history and family vibes.
A blend of 80% Mourvèdre & 20% Grenache from 80+ year old vines planted by Sophie Cachard's grandfather. A long macération is followed by 22 months of ageing in a combination of barriques, demi-muid and foudre.
▪️Pours into the glass a glistening crimson hue with garnet hues bristling with energy. The nose is complex and expressive, with aromas of black cherries, sun-warmed plums, raspberries, cassis, blackberry, tart cranberry, fresh tobacco with earthy underlayers of crushed gravel, wild garrigue, black tea, vanilla, toasted almond and leather.
▪️The first is surprisingly light-footed, with fine-grained tannins that caress the tongue rather than grip. The fruit explodes in a vibrant dance interplayed with the lively acidity. The mid-palate flexes its muscles, with savory notes of black pepper, earth, cured meat and leather weaving through the fruit. The wine lingers long and gracefully, leaving a warm memory of black peppery, anise & savory garrigue.
▪️It’s deep and wild with so many sinuous layers. Just a stunning marvel Sophie’s carefully crafted winemaking of the Bandol’s sundrenched elegance and expressive vivacity. A wine that could easily chill for another 10 years.
Pair with a classic cassoulet, lamb and rosemary stew or a warming lentil vegetable soup.
