At a glance

Producer

Domaine Tempier

Region

Bandol, Provence, France

Grape variety

Mourvèdre-dominant blend (Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$55-$70

Tasting profile

Blackberry, plum, herbs de Provence, leather, garrigue notes; vibrant and complex fruit

Evolution: Fruit will gradually integrate with savory, earthy secondary notes; tannins soften, tertiary leather and spice develop

At peak: Rich, layered complexity with balanced fruit and mature, elegant tannins

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high, balancing the power of the tannins

Tannins

Firm and grippy, characteristic of Mourvèdre

Alcohol

Around 14.0-14.5%

Aging potential

Excellent, reliable for 15+ years due to tannic backbone and acidity

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2044

Optimal window

2024 to 2047

Current status

Approaching early maturity, showing vibrant fruit and structure

Current condition

Youthful tannins with lively acidity, fresh and structured

Domaine Tempier's Bandol Rouge from 2019 is a classic Mourvèdre-based wine from a top producer in a stellar vintage. The combination of firm tannins and high acidity supports long aging, allowing the wine to progressively develop complexity and depth over 15+ years. The 2019 vintage was warm and ripe, contributing to concentration and balance that underpins extended maturity.

Food pairing

Roasted lamb, game meat, Provençal stews, grilled vegetables, hearty ratatouille, and dishes with herbaceous seasoning.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Allow the wine to open up, soften the tannins, and reveal its complex aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Biodynamic practices on some vineyard blocks, use of cover crops for soil health, limited water use, solar panels on winery roof, lightweight bottles to reduce packaging weight

Domaine Tempier emphasizes organic and sustainable viticulture with careful vineyard management that fosters biodiversity and minimizes chemical inputs. The winery has adopted measures for energy conservation and reduced packaging impact, though long-distance export contributes moderately to carbon footprint. Overall, the estate demonstrates commendable environmental stewardship within the context of high-quality wine production.