Domaine Tempier

Domaine Tempier is the leading domaine in Bandol. It is renowned as the maker of one of the world’s most gastronomic rosé. The Bandol rosé is rich, full-flavoured and and gratifyingly deep in colour. It sits alongside deep, complex Bandol reds which develop beautifully with age.

The key grape at Domaine Tempier is Mourvedre, the classic variety in Bandol. Domaine Tempier have long taken this grape seriously and it predominates in their wines.  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 reds and rosés of distinction.

The Peyraud family adopt a biodynamic approach in both vineyard and winery. For the Bandol rosé, they harvest the grapes 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.

The domaine makes three reds. All of them are made with a high percentage of Mourvedre and are aged in large oak barrels for 18 months. The Cuvee Classique comes from 40 year old vines grown on diverse soil types. The special cuvees Cabassou, La Migoua and La Tourtine come from particular terroirs. The domaine also makes an excellent, full-bodied Bandol Blanc from Clairette and other local varieties.