VARIETAL- 75% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 5 % Cinsault
Bandol is a relatively small seaside village, but the best appellation in Provence. Most of the time it is known for rosés, but the red wine is where the action is. This wine is leathery, spicy, wild, and structured. By law, it must be at least 50% Mourvèdre, with great producers, like this one, using the powerful grape for the majority of the blend.
Domaine des Trois Filles in La Cadière offers everything you want in great, old-style Bandol, but with a graceful refinement that conjures up the late Jim Harrison’s line about relying on “Bandol, garlic, and Mozart” offering some of life’s greatest pleasure.
Wine is not sold in stores - only available to purchase for Savor club members.
VARITEALS: 75% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache, 5 % Cinsault
WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested, biodynamic
AGEING: Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel vats. Aged in barrel for 18 months. Bottled without any fining or filtration.
PRODUCER: Trois Filles
WINE MAKER: Audrey Arlon
REGION: Bandol, Provence, France
SMELL: Leather, spice, tobacco leaf, red fruit
TASTE: Elegant and fruity, spice and well-integrated tannins
BODY: Full
ACIDITY: High
"Once a year, go someplace you've never been." - Dalai Lama
This quote is on the back of the bottle, and it really speaks volumes of the family behind the winery. While in France this summer, we had the pleasure of making an impromptu visit to the estate. In France, stopping by without an appointment is not only uncommon, but it can be looked at as rude and disrespectful.
They welcomed us with open arms, passionate about sharing their love for the land and the story of the 3 sisters. Not to mention, no one spoke any English, but they still gave us a tour and had our wine guide translate. We explored the barrel room where everything was in pink and purple, and ended up leaving with a bottle of wine, cork screw, and cups to go. Our wine guide looked at us in a daze and said, "that does not happen in France."
Not only is this wine unbelieveable - structured, balanced, and dynamic; but the people behind it make this wine so much more special. It is an absolute honor to share with you a gem and family-owned small production wine. The farming and passion that Domaine Trois Filles has is unmatched, and it shows through their wines. I hope you connect with the place and story and it brings you a little magic this holiday!
The word Provence induces hunger, not thirst. One thing is for sure: Provençal foods make Provençal wines come alive. The meatiness and grip of a mourvèdre based wine is asking for something that can match its intensity.
Our Choice: @thatdudecancook ribeyes with rosemary salt (recipe also posted on @savorthewineclub). The fat & butter cuts the rich tannins and creates a perfect harmony.
*chefs kiss*
