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Domaine de Frégate Bandol rosé 2015

$45.00

A premium rosé from the Bandol sub-region of Provence. Rich, layered, textural, dry. A wonderfully versatile wine to enjoy on its own or with a range of foods.

SKU: 10125/15 Categories: , , Tags: , , , , , , YEAR: 2015SIZE: 750ml
Description

Domaine de Frégate is a premium Provencal winery that lies on the Mediterranean coast between the towns of Bandol and St Cyr Sur Mer, near the coast of Marseille. Bandol is one of the premium sub-appellations of Provence. The poor soils result in very low yields and high quality grapes.

The vineyard of Domaine Frégate is located on a rocky headland overlooking the sea. In fact it is the only Bandol vineyard with vines literally overhanging the sea. This gives the vineyard a unique micro-climate with humid sea air plus 320 days of sun annually, making it a perfect climate for the grapes of this appellation. It’s a stunning place. You can imagine the blue sky, blue sea, white rocky soil and the seasonal colours of the vineyard.

Frégate is from an old provençal word “fregato” meaning breaking . It refers to smashing the rocks in order to plant the vines and olive trees. Domaine de Frégate is a very rocky site and the rocks have been stacked up in low dry stone walls in the vineyard.

Legend has it also that a frigate/sailing ship (frégate in french) was shipwrecked on the rocks at the foot of the vineyard. A picture of a frigate appears on the label. The French love this play on words with the name referring to both the ship and the breaking up of the rocks!

Sean Mitchell at the Grape Observer wrote: “this is a delicious and savoury Bandol rosé from Domaine de Frégate and a blend of 50% mourvedre, 25% grenache and 25% cinsault.  Salmon in colour, it has aromatics of spice, with undertones of salt and Turkish delight.  The palate is full bodied, with a fresh saline character from its vineyard location literally by the Mediterranean Sea.  Yes.  Rating: Very Good”

Region/Terroir:  AOC Bandol. 30 hectares of vines are planted on clay and calcareous soils on a dry and rocky cape with exposure to the south and west.  This ensures the ideal climate for maturity of the grapes.

Grapes:   Mourvedre 50%, Grenache 25%, Cinsault 25%.

Alcohol:  12% VOL

Winemaking techniques:  The majority of the vines are pruned in the form of a bowl.  Grapes are hand picked. (Machine  harvesting would be impossible with the rocky terraces but not allowed anyway under appellation rules)  100% destemming, direct pressing and temperature controlled fermentation. Maturing in stainless steel vats. In line with the Bandol AOC stipulation, bottling takes place just prior to release for sale on March 1st annually.

Our tasting notes:  Clear and pale salmon colour.  The nose is intense and typical of this region with citrus fruit aromas.  The palate is rich and well-structured with mineral and citrus peel flavours.  Layered and textured with a soft dry finish. The style of this wine has the stamp of its terroir and very true to the style of this appellation. Think of this as a classy white wine, not a “lolly water” rosé.

A very versatile wine . Great as an aperitif.  Goes very well with mixed salads, barbecues and seafood.

Single bottles, multiple bottles or complete boxes (6 bottles) may be ordered. 

By purchasing this wine you confirm that you are over 18 and accept the terms and conditions of sale.

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