Domaine de la Begude Bandol Rouge 2020

Domaine de la Begude Bandol Rouge

Region: Bandol, Provence, France

Vintage: 2020

Bottle size: 75cl

Grape:  90% Mourvèdre 10% Grenache

ABV: 13.5%

Intense aromas of red and black fruit characterise the nose with subtle hints of mint, violet and blackcurrant leaf. The palate displays finely structured tannins and a core of layered black fruit and spices which linger on the long finish.

Certified organic since 2006, the vineyards are located at 400m altitude above sea level at the highest point in the Bandol. Split into eighty different parcels, the diverse clay and limestone soils provide good water retention and ideal conditions for the Mourvedre grape to flourish. Guillaume employs manual grafting to improve the vines' drought resistance as well as the use of cover crops, shallow tillage and biodynamic treatments to maintain a healthy soil environment.

Domaine de la Bégude was purchased in 1996 by seventh-generation winemaker Guillaume Tari, who was raised at third-growth Château Giscours in Margaux (which his grandfather acquired in 1954). Once a stopover for travellers seeking shelter and sustenance – ‘beguda’ means ‘drink’ or ‘the place to drink’ in Provençal – this Bandol estate was abandoned and overgrown when Guillaume rediscovered it. He and his wife have since replanted Domaine de la Bégude’s old terraces and restored its buildings to their former glory. Today, the domaine encompasses 500 hectares of vines, of which thirty have been replanted, predominantly with Mourvèdre. Guillaume’s fascination with Mourvèdre’s ageing potential partly inspired his creation of the world’s largest collection of Mourvèdre clones, now totalling 116. Guillaume has recently sold the estate to the Rouleau family, owners of fifth-growth Chateau Dauzac in Margaux, who share Guillaume’s vision for the domaine and its wines.

https://domainedelabegude.fr