PRODUCER: Domaine Maubernard
REGION: Bandol, Provence, France
PROPRIETOR: Michel Vidal
Bandol ranks amongst France's most idyllic winegrowing regions, situated along the stunning blue waters of the French Riviera. Moderated by cooling winds from the north and the temperate influence of the Mediterranean, the vineyards of Bandol produce a host of superb reds, whites, and rosés, though the appellation's Mourvèdre-based red blends are easily its most famous export. Located in one of the region's premier sites, Maubernard produce wines of stunning freshness and power.
WINERY HISTORY
One of the most famous seafarers of the 19th century was a Provençal named Julien Fabre, who held the world record time for the Marseille – Malabar Island journey (a prestigious title in those days!). When Fabre retired, he purchased a 10 hectare estate in the hills a mile above the Bandol coastline and built his home. When his daughter married Monsieur Maubernard, the domaine got its name and vines were planted.
Today, Captain Fabre’s great-grandson Michel Vidal is in charge of the estate. Most of his vines are planted in a steep, south-facing amphitheatre in stony soils infused with limestone (giving freshness), and magnesium (for power). The high clay content retains what little water the heavens send, so the long ripening season for Mourvèdre takes place in perfect conditions.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Planted across 10ha of large slabs of calciferous sandstone and sandy marl with rudist limestone and magnesium, the domaine sits in a natural indentation akin to an ancient amphitheatre. All the vines face the sea, while the soils promote freshness and impart the critical power which distinguishes top-tier Mourvèdre. Situated in one of Bandol’s most celebrated regions, the presence of clay allows what little water falls to be retained, lengthening the growing season and permitting optimal ripeness in the red varieties. This part of the appellation is one of the most sought after terroirs, so it’s no surprise that Michel’s vines are next to those of Château Pibarnon, who purchased a plot in the same amphitheatre (the two wineries also share the same oenologist).
The vineyards are cultivated in a traditional manner, emphasising organic practices alongside modern oenological practices to ensure quality. The rosé is predominantly Mourvèdre with a splash of Grenache and Cinsault. The grapes are destemmed, and the wines is made using direct juice pressing, before being aged in stainless steel tank for 9-months. The Bandol Rouge is a blend of Mourvèdre (90%) and Grenache (10%), harvested in small yields - under 30 hl/ha - and aged for a minimum of 18-months in foudre. Full-bodied, bold, spicy, and distinguished by excellent structure and fine tannins, these wines are excellent examples of the Bandol appellation. They combine a marked force of personality with intriguing red fruit aromas that are sure to delight. Lively in their youth and developing a harmonious roundness with age, the wines of Maubernard are as beautiful as the land in which they’re grown.
