At a glance

Producer

Domaine Tempier

Region

Bandol, Provence, France

Grape variety

Mourvèdre (50%), Grenache (20%), Cinsault (26%), Syrah (4%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90-$120

Tasting profile

Complex notes of dark berries, leather, smoked herbs, garrigue, and subtle spice with robust structure

Evolution: Will gain tertiary complexity with notes of truffle, forest floor, and dried herbs over the next decade

At peak: Peak shows integrated tannins, mature fruit, earthy nuances and balanced acidity, producing a deep and layered wine

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity providing freshness and balance

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, and well-structured

Alcohol

Approximately 14-14.5%

Aging potential

20+ years supported by strong tannins and acidity typical of Bandol’s Mourvèdre-based wines

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2042

Optimal window

2022 to 2045

Current status

Approaching optimal maturity with great potential

Current condition

The wine displays good freshness and tannic grip, beginning to show complexity but still evolving.

Thanks to Mourvèdre’s tannic backbone and the quality of the vintage 2017 in Bandol, the wine benefits from extended aging. The structure and balance allow the wine to soften and develop complexity over 15+ years. 2017 was a strong harvest with classic Mediterranean growing conditions, supporting long-term cellaring.

Food pairing

Pairs superbly with rich Mediterranean dishes such as roast lamb, game birds, herb-crusted beef, ratatouille, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften the firm tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Use of cover crops, reduced chemical intervention, water conservation measures in vineyard, solar energy at facilities, lightweight bottles

Domaine Tempier emphasizes environmentally responsible viticulture with sustainable farming and minimal intervention. While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, their approach includes soil health, biodiversity promotion, and renewable energy usage, improving sustainability. Exporting wine internationally adds to carbon footprint; however, packaging innovations and local resource management contribute to overall eco-conscious profile.