Provence region is famous for some of the best Rosé wines of France, and a few know that its reds are just as impressive. 2016 Domaine du Gros’ Nore’ Bandol Rouge is a fantastic example of it from this region.
What’s on the Label
We’re gonna work our way backward. Rouge is easy and stands for red in French. So what’s Bandol in the name?
Bandol is a small appellation of the Provence wine region in far south-eastern France. Located to the east of Marseille and west of San-Tropes and Cannes, it is regarded as the grand cru of Provence. The vineyards are scattered around the Mediterranean coastal town of Bandol.
While Bandol is most famous for its red wines, they produce some of the best rosé wines of France as well. The main grape is Mourvèdre – the appellation rules require at least 50 percent in the Rouge. Other principal grapes in a blend are Grenache, Cinsault with up to 20% of Carignan and Syrah.
For years Gros Nore sold its prized fruit from Bandol to Domaine Ott and Château de Pibarnon. In 1997 Alain Pascal, the son of Honoré, for whom the Domaine is named, bottled the very first estate wine. Over the years that followed, Alain became one of the leading producers in Bandol.
In the Bottle
2016 Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol Rouge is 80% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, 5% Cinsault aged in foudres. Mourvèdre provides the structrure for this wine, while Grenache elevates the fruit and Cinsault adds finesse to this wine.
The grapes came from organically grown 40 to 60 years old vines.
In the Glass
It’s inky deep purple wine just as we expect from ripe Mourvèdre based wines.
Aromas
A lot is going on in the glass. We sensed blackberry, dried red flower and tarragon, graphite, and wet stone notes.
Flavors
It’s somewhere in between medium and full-bodied wine with medium acidity, well-incorporated tannin, and 14.5% alcohol. On the palate, ripe black plum and marionberry complemented by leather and touch of dark chocolate.
With all its power, it comes across as velvety wine with a long finish. We tasted together with our wine club, and it became an instant hit.
If you never had Bandol Rouge than 2016, Gros Nore is an excellent way to set a benchmark. But if you did, we would love to hear about your favorites. Have you tasted any Bandol wines yet?