2020 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge - Lulu et Lucien

Domaine Tempier in the Bandol commune - and now wine appellation - in Provence dates back to 1834. But its rise to become one of the iconic appellations of France started in 1936, when Lucie “Lulu” Tempier married Lucien Peyraud and received the domaine as a wedding gift from Lucie’s father. Lucien then did extensive research into the clay and limestone terroirs of Bandol and the mourvèdre grape and was instrumental in getting the Bandol Appellation d’Origine Côntrolée approved in 1941. Since then, Lucien has been regarded as the Godfather of Bandol and Domaine Tempier its reference-point producer. Grandson Daniel Ravier now runs the estate.

'Lulu et Lucien' is Tempier’s flagship Bandol Rouse. It’s 75% mourvèdre, 14% grenache, 9% cinsault, and 2% carignan. Vines are 40+ years old and farmed organically. The wine is naturally fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak foudres (2500-5000 liter barrels) for 18 to 20 months and bottled without fining or filtration.

Deep, dark black fruits with lift and liquorice. Palate-staining yet with a freshness that prevents ponderousness. Great structure from both tannin and acidity, which is the sign of wine that is well-balanced and worth drinking either young or aged. Decant for an hour or more and drink it in a Bordeaux or other large stem with grilled meats, beef daube, or mushroom stew. Or lay it down for 5-25 years.