Domaine Tempier ‘La Tourtine’, Bandol Rouge, Provence, France 2022
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Cuvée name refers to “The Tourtine,” a named vineyard parcel at Domaine Tempier on the Bandol hillside—evoking the historic “tourtine” terraces carved into the slope for Mourvèdre plantings.
The Peyraud-family estate Domaine Tempier stands as a benchmark in Provence’s Bandol appellation—pioneering the revival and primacy of Mourvèdre in this Mediterranean terroir since the mid-20th century.
- WINEMAKER: Daniel Ravier (under the Tempier banner)
- FARMING: Practicing organic viticulture, with low-yield, old-vine Mourvèdre vines (40+ years) planted on terraced slopes above Bandol village.
- VARIETY: ~80% Mourvèdre, ~10% Grenache, ~10% Cinsault.
- TERROIR: The ‘La Tourtine’ parcel sits just above the Cabassaou sector within Bandol on terraced slopes of clay-limestone and rich clay soils, facing south toward the Mediterranean. These soils and exposure deliver ripeness, structure and minerality in equal measure.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested fruit undergoes careful vinification with emphasis on finesse despite the warm 2022 vintage. Fermentation in large vats followed by ageing in large oak foudres of 25–50 hL for approximately 18–20 months.
- AGING: 18–20 months in large oak foudres, followed by bottle maturation. The wine’s firm tannins and structure call for cellaring.
- TASTING NOTES: A strikingly elegant expression of Bandol in 2022. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, violet, garrigue herbs and “iron-rich earth” convey both depth and Mediterranean lift. On the palate, the wine delivers dense yet refined Mourvèdre power—firm tannins, bright acid, rich dark cherry and bramble fruit layered with bay leaf, roasted meat and crushed stone. It opens with grace, yet promises longevity.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with Provençal slow-cooked lamb, hearty cassoulet, grilled game meats, or a richly herb-infused vegetable ragout. Decant if drinking in the near term; cellaring through 2030–2040 will reward.
- ALCOHOL: Approx. 14.5% ABV.
- SCORES: 96 points from La Revue du Vin de France for the 2022 vintage
Cuvée name refers to “The Tourtine,” a named vineyard parcel at Domaine Tempier on the Bandol hillside—evoking the historic “tourtine” terraces carved into the slope for Mourvèdre plantings.
The Peyraud-family estate Domaine Tempier stands as a benchmark in Provence’s Bandol appellation—pioneering the revival and primacy of Mourvèdre in this Mediterranean terroir since the mid-20th century.
- WINEMAKER: Daniel Ravier (under the Tempier banner)
- FARMING: Practicing organic viticulture, with low-yield, old-vine Mourvèdre vines (40+ years) planted on terraced slopes above Bandol village.
- VARIETY: ~80% Mourvèdre, ~10% Grenache, ~10% Cinsault.
- TERROIR: The ‘La Tourtine’ parcel sits just above the Cabassaou sector within Bandol on terraced slopes of clay-limestone and rich clay soils, facing south toward the Mediterranean. These soils and exposure deliver ripeness, structure and minerality in equal measure.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested fruit undergoes careful vinification with emphasis on finesse despite the warm 2022 vintage. Fermentation in large vats followed by ageing in large oak foudres of 25–50 hL for approximately 18–20 months.
- AGING: 18–20 months in large oak foudres, followed by bottle maturation. The wine’s firm tannins and structure call for cellaring.
- TASTING NOTES: A strikingly elegant expression of Bandol in 2022. On the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, violet, garrigue herbs and “iron-rich earth” convey both depth and Mediterranean lift. On the palate, the wine delivers dense yet refined Mourvèdre power—firm tannins, bright acid, rich dark cherry and bramble fruit layered with bay leaf, roasted meat and crushed stone. It opens with grace, yet promises longevity.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with Provençal slow-cooked lamb, hearty cassoulet, grilled game meats, or a richly herb-infused vegetable ragout. Decant if drinking in the near term; cellaring through 2030–2040 will reward.
- ALCOHOL: Approx. 14.5% ABV.
- SCORES: 96 points from La Revue du Vin de France for the 2022 vintage