Domaine Tempier

Lulu, Lucien, and the making of Bandol

It is impossible to discuss the development of the Bandol appellation in recent years without mentioning Lucien and Lulu Peyraud. They were among the key founders of the AOC “Bandol” and restored the Mourvèdre variety to its leading role at a time when it made more sense to choose varieties that were easier to grow.

Today, this family continues to manage the domaine, and the “spirit of Tempier” which the current team speaks of, is, in essence, a reflection of their approach. Namely: to treat the land with sincerity, to create wines that combine power and refinement, and to share them without unnecessary pretension.

Since 2000, Daniel Ravier has managed the estate as its director, spending his days moving between the office, the cellars, and the vineyards. Véronique Peyraud, the youngest daughter in the family, is in charge of managing the wine cellar and maintains the family’s presence in the day-to-day life of the estate.

An amphitheatre above the Mediterranean

The vineyards are located in the heart of the Bandol AOC and, according to representatives of Domaine Tempier, stretch across hills sloping down to the Mediterranean Sea and terraces resembling an amphitheater. This topography is of great importance, as it gives each plot its own orientation, wind exposure, and ripening characteristics. Several renowned plots play a key role in determining the quality of the finest cuvées. “La Migoua” is located on the Beausset-Vieux hills at an altitude of about 300 meters; its plots, scattered among thickets of wild shrubs, have an extremely complex soil composition formed as a result of past geological changes. The “La Tourtine” vineyard, located near Le Castellet, is exposed to very strong winds and basks in the sun from dawn to dusk. “Cabassaou” is situated at the foot of "La Tourtine"; it is protected from the mistral by a low stone wall and is located in a warmer and more sheltered spot than any other plot on the estate. In 2016, the family added an 18-hectare plot located at an elevation of 300 meters and facing east to southeast. The main advantage of this plot was its cool, sunny location, these conditions are exactly what tempted the family for this purchase. The grapes from this plot are used to emphasize the freshness of the "Bandol Blanc" and rosé wines and.

Clay, limestone, sun, and the Mistral

Bandol's climate largely determines the flavor of the wine poured into a glass. An exceptionally high amount of sunlight promotes the ripening of the Mourvèdre variety (a finicky grape variety that ripens late and requires warmth), while the afternoon sea breeze cools the vines, and the mistral dries the foliage, keeping diseases at bay. It is precisely this balance of wind and rain that makes it possible to use the unique cultivation methods characteristic of this estate.

The soils across most of the estate consist of clay-limestone, though their composition varies depending on the plot. “La Tourtine” is situated on sandstone and marl from the Santonian period (approximately 75-90 million years ago), with gypsum exposed at the surface. The “Blanc” plot consists primarily of sandy marl from the Santonian period. Different soils, different sunlight exposure, different wines, this is precisely the rationale behind naming the cuvée after its place of origin.

The vineyards are cultivated using biodynamic farming methods, and a permanent team led by Jean-Philippe Fourné carries out the work, supplemented by seasonal workers during green pruning and the harvest.

Mourvèdre first, then everything else

Bandol is a region traditionally and deeply associated with the Mourvèdre grape variety, and the Tempier estate takes full advantage of these characteristics. The estate’s red wines are produced primarily from Mourvèdre, with the addition of other traditional Bandol varieties in varying proportions, depending on the specific cuvée or vineyard plot. - Mourvèdre is the foundation of all red wines - The blend includes Grenache and Cinsault, with Cinsault also serving as the primary grape for rosé production - White varieties (Clairette, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc, and other varieties characteristic of this appellation) are grown on a relatively new plot located behind the “Blanc” vineyard The exact proportions of the blend vary depending on the cuvée and vintage.

In the cellar

Daniel Ravier leads a small team and oversees the entire winemaking process in the cellars, from fermentation to bottling and shipping. This winery’s style does not involve excessive extraction or emphasizing the aromas of new barrels; the primary focus is on ensuring that the terroir of La Migoua, La Tourtine, and Cabassaou shines through in the finished wine. Single-vineyard wines are produced precisely to express the individual character of each vineyard separately. At the same time, the “Cuvée Classique” often just referred as "Domaine Tempier Bandol (Rouge)" is a blend from plots located on the estate’s clay-limestone soils, and is created not so much to express the individuality of a specific plot as to be a wine that combines the understated power of Bandol with the elegance of Tempier. Rosé is given just as much attention as red wine, which is a rarity and one of the reasons this wine enjoys such a reputation. This rosé has a delicate structure, low tannins, and a confident body, and deserves to be tasted with the utmost seriousness.

The range

Domaine Tempier produces red, rosé, and white wines under the Bandol appellation (AOC). This list focuses primarily on red wines, but the domaine’s selection is much broader. “Cuvée Classique” is the estate’s most produced red wine, created by blending grapes harvested from plots with clay-limestone soils. Above it in status are three red wines from single vineyards: “La Migoua,” “La Tourtine,” and “Cabassaou.” Each is produced from grapes harvested from the aforementioned plots and features its own unique balance between power and refinement. “Bandol Rosé” is the wine that brought the domaine widespread fame beyond France, while “Bandol Blanc” is the newest addition to the lineup.