From: Provence, France
Blend: Mostly Mourvèdre with Cinsault and Grenache
Taste: The 2022 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé presents an intense rose color, an alluring dance between salmon and pomelo hues. The wine reveals a complex nose, with an intriguing bouquet combining floral and spicy notes, intertwined with lemon, Sichuan pepper, and dried apricot aromas. On the palate, this rosé is ample, dense, and structured. The rich Mourvèdre imparts an intense fruit core of ripe strawberry, punctuated by notes of grapefruit and tangerine zest. Accents of pungent herbs and a touch of spice arise from the blend's Grenache and Cinsault components, harmonizing with the minerality provided by the limestone-rich soils of St. Anne de Castellet.
Pairing: This rosé is more than a summer indulgence. For the fan who can be a serious connoisseur of year-round pairing and fine wine, this offering brings the complexity and depth necessary for a range of pairings. Try it with pasta primavera, a hearty cheese/charcuterie spread, or a seafood boil teeming with Old Bay and butter. The wine's complexity and oomph also make it a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving spread. Also, go for Provençal fare like stuffed zucchini, a Grand Aioli (see the recipe below) and seafood soups, herbed chicken, ratatouille, and the always classic, serious charcuterie and fromage board.
Aioli With Roasted Vegetables
By Melissa Clark
About. If you seek a balance of tradition and innovation in a bottle, the 2022 La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé stands as a shining testament to the passion and craft of the Bronzo family and their winemaker, Stéphane Bourret. Rooted in the storied terroir of Bandol in southeastern France, the estate is a testament to the vision and tireless efforts of Michel and Louis Bronzo, who first acquired the Bastide Blanche property in the 1970s. The Bandol appellation, known for its spicy and potent Mourvèdre wines, has witnessed this vineyard's rise as a true bastion of quality.
The History and Craft of Bastide Blanche
The Bastide Blanche journey began in the early 1970s, when the Bronzo brothers set out to produce wines of a calibre to rival those of more famous appellations, like Châteauneuf. After nearly two decades of meticulous labor, the fruits of their efforts bloomed in the benchmark year of 1993, propelling Bastide Blanche - and the Bandol region - into the constellation of top French wine producers.
Adhering to organic practices since 2012, Bastide Blanche ensures the utmost quality by hand-harvesting all their grapes. This intricate method allows for precise sorting during harvest, safeguarding the integrity of the fruit as it journeys to the cellar. This commitment to excellence extends to their expanded holdings at Château de Castillon and Domaine Baumelles, where success continues to stem from very low yields and optimal cellar conditions.
From Vineyard to Bottle
Each January, the estate's winemaker, Stéphane Bourret, collaborates with Peter Weygandt and the Bronzo family to assemble a unique cuvée, a testament to the terroir's versatility. This carefully curated blend features dominant Mourvèdre, rounded off with nearly equal parts Cinsault and Grenache. The grapes are grown in clay-limestone soil strewn with pebbles, limiting the yield to approximately 36hL/ha.
A delicate dance of direct pressing and 24-hour maceration of the grapes follows, leading to the creation of a versatile and complex rosé. Raised in tanks for 4 to 10 months before bottling, the result is a wine with an impressive depth of character, ideal for pairing with Provençal fare.
