Domaine Tempier rosé: “a must-buy” (Vinous)

Is Tempier the world’s most gastronomic rosé? It might well be. Rich, full-flavoured and gratifyingly deep in colour, Domaine Tempier rosé is a favourite of sommeliers at many top restaurants. “Utter class” is how Vinous describes it, calling it “a must-buy every year”. 

Domaine Tempier is the leading domaine in the Bandol appellation. The classic variety here is Mourvedre, a grape Tempier have long taken seriously and which predominates in their rosé. The domaine’s inland location and south-facing slopes on clay and limestone are ideal for ripening this flavourful yet high acid variety that yields rosés of distinction.

The Peyraud family farm the domaine biodynamically and pay the same attention to their rosé as their famous reds. The grapes for the rosé are harvested by hand and a portion of the blend spends time on the skins to extract flavour and colour. The grapes are then fermented and aged in a mixture of stainless steel and concrete tanks. The result is an intense, textured rosé – almost the antithesis of the pale light type so widespread today. The wine can easily age in bottle for several years.

This is a superlative rosé that is a classic for good reason. It is always in high demand among private clients and restaurants alike at Cuchet&co, so we buy as much as we can every year. It is absolutely delicious.

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