La Bastide Blanche : Bandol 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes of Bandol 2022 La Bastide Blanche

Tasting

Colour
With a vivid violet hue, this wine displays a vibrant, saturated colour, reflecting attractive youthfulness and well-mastered extraction.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for its complexity. It opens with intense aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, blueberry and blackberry. With aeration, subtle notes of liquorice emerge, accompanied by touches of bergamot, citrus, peony and delicate white flowers.

Palate
The attack is fresh and full of energy. The palate offers a precise, dense and concentrated structure, while retaining great elegance. The tannins are ripe and refined. The remarkably long finish stretches out on floral and spicy nuances, evoking white pepper and warm spices.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs wonderfully with rich meats such as beef tagliata, lamb or a traditional cassoulet. It also goes perfectly with vegetarian dishes such as herb-roasted root vegetables, a Provençal ratatouille or Mediterranean-style rock fish.

Service and storage

This 2022 Bandol offers immediate enjoyment but also has excellent ageing potential. It can be cellared and enjoyed until around 2038.

The elegance and mineral complexity of a Bandol red wine

The estate

Acquired in 1972 by Michel Bronzo, La Bastide Blanche is a key reference in Provence, located in southeastern France. This family estate, whose vineyard now covers 47 hectares, is now run by the founder's sons, Nicolas and Julien Bronzo. Supported by technical director Stéphane Bourret, the estate is distinguished by its deep commitment to expressing the terroir. Certified organic and biodynamic since 2020, it produces authentic wines that combine traditional methods with technical precision.

The vineyard

Located in the commune of Sainte-Anne du Castellet, within the Bandol appellation, the vineyard flourishes on the foothills of the Sainte-Baume massif, just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. The vines, averaging over 35 years of age, sink their roots into soils composed of limestone scree, clay and gravel. This terroir benefits from a sunny Mediterranean climate, tempered by night-time breezes. Yields are deliberately limited and harvesting is done by hand.

The vintage

Weather conditions in 2022 allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. The vines were able to develop without excessive heat stress, resulting in a healthy harvest that preserves lovely freshness while avoiding any over-ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

For this 2022 Bandol, the grapes are fully destemmed before being placed in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation is triggered by indigenous yeasts, with a twenty-five-day maceration punctuated by regular punching down of the cap. After malolactic fermentation in wooden vats, the wine is aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new.

Grape varieties

• 81% Mourvèdre
• 9% Grenache
• 8% Cinsault
• 2% Carignan