The Wine
Mourvèdre, the dark knight of Bandol, rich and boldly expressive of all things Provence, relinquishes the center stage here and shares the spotlight with the more delicate, floral, and fresh Cinsault. This is a rare marriage in red Bandol (Cinsault is usually a key player in rosé rather than rouge), from an even rarer terroir for the region, high on the hills, deep in a pine forest, far from it all. As is often the case, the Migoua this year is the most forward and open-tasting single vineyard from Tempier, where its tinge of rosemary, wisp of anise, and hint of smoke combine for a glass full of deliciousness. Chris Santini, KLWM
The Details
Variety - Mourvedre
Country - France
Region - Provence
Sub Region - Bandol
Extra - Cork
Year - 2023
Volume - 750ml
This is Bandol at its very best: rich, profound and very long lasting.’ Clive Coates
When Lucie “Lulu” Tempier married Lucien Peyraud in 1936, her father gave them Domaine Tempier, an active farm that had been in the family since 1834, near Le Plan du Castellet, just outside the Mediterranean seaport village of Bandol. Tasting a pre-phylloxera bottle of Domaine Tempier Bandol (a wedding gift from his father-in-law) inspired Lucien to research the terroir of Bandol extensively. Up until that point, old vineyards planted with Mourvèdre had been systematically replanted to higher-yielding varietals. However, more research not only showed its historical roots to the area, but the grape proved to be more resistant to oxidation, producing wines with great aging potential. By 1941, with the assistance of neighboring vignerons, Lucien worked with the I.N.A.O. (Institut National des Appellations d’Origines) to establish Bandol as its own A.O.C. Needless to say, large-scale replanting of Mourvèdre ensued, and Bandol now requires a fifty percent minimum in all reds. Lucien will forever be celebrated as the Godfather of Bandol, but also as the man who revived Mourvèdre to its former glory. Raising deep and structured wines of such refinement and longevity has made Domaine Tempier truly a grand cru de Provence. Kermit Lynch
Tempier has entered a new phase in its evolution with the appointment of Daniel Ravier as winemaker. Daniel comes to the Domaine with extensive experience in the Bandol region.
