At a glance

Producer

Domaine Tempier

Region

Bandol, Provence, France

Grape variety

Mourvèdre dominant blend (Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-$75

Tasting profile

Dark bramble fruit, leather, game, herbs de Provence, and subtle floral notes; tannic backbone

Evolution: Fruit will integrate more with time, tertiary notes like truffle, forest floor, and spice will develop

At peak: Complex layered aromas combining savory, earth, and ripe dark fruit—velvety texture with integrated tannins

Structure

Acidity

Bright acidity balancing the ripe fruit and tannins

Tannins

Firm and grippy tannins typical of Mourvèdre

Alcohol

Approximately 14.5%

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential: 15+ years typical for quality 2018 Bandol rouges

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2023 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early drinking window but best with some further aging

Current condition

Structured tannins and good acidity, still evolving

The 2018 vintage was warm and balanced for Bandol, producing structured Mourvèdre-based wines that need mid-term aging to soften tannins and fully develop complex tertiary aromas. The recommended drinking window reflects typical durability paired with vintage quality.

Food pairing

Rich lamb dishes, Provençal stews, game meats, roasted vegetables, and aged hard cheeses like Tomme or Comté

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open the wine’s complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of cover crops, minimal chemical intervention, and low yields to maintain terroir expression and soil health; energy-efficient winery operations

Domaine Tempier emphasizes sustainable viticulture focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and minimal intervention winemaking. While lacking formal organic certification, their practices align with sustainable ideals, contributing positively to the environmental impact. Packaging uses standard glass, average weight. Local wine production supports lower carbon emissions for European consumers, but exports increase the footprint.