A Family Story at the Heart of Bandol
Domaine Tempier, located in Plan du Castellet near Bandol, has existed since 1834, when the bastide was built on the Tempier family’s land. In 1936, Lucie “Lulu” Tempier married Lucien Peyraud; he went on to become the “godfather of Bandol,” rediscovering and promoting the historic Mourvèdre grape, and placing the Bandol AOC on the international map as early as 1941. Today, the estate remains in the family’s hands, managed by Daniel Ravier, who upholds the tradition and prestige of this Provençal estate.
Exceptional Wines, Embodying the Identity of Bandol
At Domaine Tempier, winemaking revolves around Bandol Rouge, Bandol Rosé, and Bandol Blanc, all crafted with unparalleled precision. The Bandol Rouge, dominated by Mourvèdre, is aged in large oak casks and barrels for 18–20 months, offering powerful structure, fine tannins, and aging potential of 5 to 15 years. The rosé, made from roughly 50% Mourvèdre blended with Grenache and Cinsault, reveals a saline minerality and rare elegance, often hailed as “the best rosé in the world”. As for the Bandol Blanc, it embodies the freshness and finesse of Provence, complementing the estate’s iconic red wines.
Organic Viticulture that Respects the Mediterranean Terroir
Domaine Tempier tends its 60 hectares of vines using organic methods, without official certification, guided by lunar cycles and a commitment to biodiversity. Harvesting is entirely manual, soil is maintained through mechanical means or grazing (sheep), and natural treatments (sulfur, herbal teas, decoctions) are used to combat disease. In the cellar, tradition once again takes precedence: hand-sorted grapes, indigenous yeasts, gentle vinification, and long aging in large oak casks and barrels, with minimal intervention.
