Domaine Tempier Bandol "Lulu et Lucien" 2020

Domaine Tempier's "Lulu et Lucien" Bandol 2020 is a heartfelt tribute to the foundational couple, Lucie "Lulu" Tempier and Lucien Peyraud, whose legacy is deeply entwined with the esteemed terroir of Bandol and the distinguished history of Domaine Tempier. This vintage encapsulates the spirit and tradition of the domaine, celebrated for its profound connection to the land and the familial heritage of winemaking.

• Soil Type: The diverse terroir of Domaine Tempier's vineyards, including the renowned single-vineyards La Migoua, La Tourtine, and Cabassaou, is primarily composed of clay and limestone. Each vineyard's unique soil composition, ranging from heterogeneous clay in La Migoua to the richer clay of La Tourtine and Cabassaou, contributes distinctively to the wines' complexity. This variation results in a Bandol Rouge that is a mosaic of the region's geology, offering a rich palate of earthy and mineral notes.

• Elevation: The varying altitudes of Domaine Tempier's vineyards, with La Migoua sitting at the highest elevation, influence the microclimates experienced by the Mourvèdre and Grenache vines. This diversity in elevation aids in the development of grapes with a balance of ripeness and acidity, contributing to the wine's structured complexity and depth.

• Grape Varieties: Primarily crafted from Mourvèdre, a grape variety revitalized by Lucien Peyraud and now a hallmark of Bandol AOC, the "Lulu et Lucien" cuvée also incorporates Grenache, especially from La Migoua, adding layers of fruit and spice to the blend. This combination celebrates the grape's resilience, its historical significance to the region, and its capacity to produce deeply flavored, age-worthy wines.

• Winemaking: Emphasizing traditional practices, the grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with natural yeasts. The wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process in stainless steel, followed by maceration and malolactic fermentation in oak foudres. The aging process, spanning 18 to 20 months in oak, imbues the wine with a harmonious integration of tannins and a subtle oak influence, while maintaining the varietal's vibrant character.

• Farming Practices: The cultivation of the vineyards reflects a commitment to expressing the purest form of terroir, with an emphasis on sustainable practices that honor the land and its history. This philosophy is evident in the careful stewardship of the land, ensuring the vitality of the vineyards for future generations.

• Tasting Notes: The "Lulu et Lucien" Bandol Rouge 2020 unfolds with an elegant complexity, offering aromas of dark fruit, underbrush, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it reveals a rich tapestry of flavors, from ripe black cherries and plums to herbal and earthy undertones, supported by robust tannins and a lingering minerality. The wine's depth and structure promise excellent aging potential, inviting further exploration over time.

• Pairing: This Bandol Rouge pairs exquisitely with a range of hearty dishes, from Provençal stews and grilled meats to mature cheeses, embodying the convivial spirit of the Peyraud family's table.

Domaine Tempier stands as a paragon of Provençal winemaking, with the Peyraud family's passionate dedication to Bandol and Mourvèdre leaving an indelible mark on the region. The domaine's storied history, from the gift of land to Lulu and Lucien to the pioneering efforts in establishing Bandol AOC, weaves a rich narrative of tradition, innovation, and familial legacy, celebrated in every bottle of "Lulu et Lucien."