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2021 Bandol Blanc

Domaine Tempier
Discount Eligible $62.00
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In the Tempier cellars—and in the Bandol appellation as a whole—white wine represents just 5% of the production. Vigneron Daniel Ravier crafts this Provençal rarity from Clairette, Ugni, Bourboulenc, Rolle, and Marsanne grown on terraced hillsides in a cooler corner of the AOC historically renowned for the quality of its Bandol blancs. These recently acquired vineyards now make up most of the blend, bringing a newfound energy to complement the sun-kissed fruit, while Daniel’s vinification in oak foudres accentuates length, structure, and what the French call verticalité.
     Tempier’s blanc, with its delicate florals, subtle note of anise, and stony finish, tastes perfect alongside shellfish or grilled seafood. After a few years in your cellar, pair it with cheeses or serve it alone to appreciate what Daniel calls “honeyed and marine aromas” that develop with age.

Anthony Lynch


Technical Information
Wine Type: white
Vintage: 2021
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: 60% Clairette, 18% Ugni Blanc, 19% Bourboulenc, 3% Marsanne
Appellation: Bandol
Country: France
Region: Provence
Producer: Domaine Tempier
Vineyard: 1.6 ha, 20 years average
Soil: Clay, limestone
Farming: Organic (practicing)
Alcohol: 13%

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About The Region

Provence

map of Provence

Perhaps there is no region more closely aligned with the history to Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant than Provence. Provence is where Richard Olney, an American ex-pat and friend of Alice Waters, lived, and introduced Kermit to the great producers of Provence, most importantly Domaine Tempier of Bandol. Kermit also spends upwards of half his year at his home in a small town just outside of Bandol.

Vitis vinifera first arrived in France via Provence, landing in the modern day port city of Marseille in the 6th century BC. The influence of terroir on Provençal wines goes well beyond soil types. The herbs from the pervasive scrubland, often referred to as garrigue, as well as the mistral—a cold, drying wind from the northwest that helps keep the vines free of disease—play a significant role in the final quality of the grapes. Two more elements—the seemingly ever-present sun and cooling saline breezes from the Mediterranean—lend their hand in creating a long growing season that result in grapes that are ripe but with good acidity.

Rosé is arguably the most well known type of wine from Provence, but the red wines, particularly from Bandol, possess a great depth of character and ability to age. The white wines of Cassis and Bandol offer complexity and ideal pairings for the sea-influenced cuisine. Mourvèdre reigns king for red grapes, and similar to the Languedoc and Rhône, Grenache, Cinsault, Marsanne, Clairette, Rolle, Ugni Blanc among many other grape varieties are planted.

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Sampling wine out of the barrel.

When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:

1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.

Inspiring Thirst, page 174