Bastide de la Ciselette - Bandol Rouge 2019

Bandol enjoys a long and rich history of winemaking along the picturesque cliffs of the Mediterranean, making France’s benchmark Mourvèdre-based red and rosé wines. And while Bastide de la Ciselette may be younger as a domaine — becoming the 57th estate of the AOC in 2010 — they have been tending the vineyards for many years, previously opting to sell their fruit to the local co-op. In a remarkably short amount of time, owner Robert de Salvo, with the help of talented vigneron Romain Bournaud, has become a reliable source for classic Bandol alongside its more famous neighbors.

With 15 hectares under vine, Bastide de la Ciselette sits to the north of the village of Brulat du Castellet, looking east to the medieval village of Castellet and south to the Cadière-d’Azur. De Salvo employs lutte raisonnée farming in the vineyard and works a good portion of the soils with a single horse. In the cellar, the lunar calendar offers guidance according to biodynamic principles, and the aim is to allow each vintage to speak for itself. The resulting wines are a perfect blend of rusticity and polish — elegant wines of distinct character without the rough edges.

The vineyards are farmed organically, with some biodynamic practices – no use of pesticides or herbicides. They follow the lunar calendar and plow by horse. The decision to label lutte raisonnée is one of caution should it be necessary due to unforeseen climatic circumstances. The Bandol Rouge is sourced from the few acres of old vines that immediately surround the estate.

The grapes are hand harvested and destemmed. Native yeast fermentation with the use of remontage (pump over). Skin contact for three weeks before light pressing. Aged in large foudres for 18 months.

Producer: Bastide de la Ciselette

Country: France

Region: Provence

Varietal: Grenache, Mourvèdre

Appellation: Bandol

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml