2022 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Blanc, Provence, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The defining features of Terrebrune’s terroir are its direct proximity to the Mediterranean, in the path of cooling sea breezes, and the distinctive soil from which the vines emerge—reddish clay over fissured limestone from the Triassic era, extremely rare in Bandol. Both contribute to the house style: these are lean, taut, and focused wines of great elegance capable of long-term aging. No need to wait, though—this precise, mineral blend of Clairette, Ugni Blanc, and Bourboulenc has an ethereal perfume, reminiscent of blossoming flowers with a hint of fennel, that makes it irresistible right now.

15 year old vines. Soil is limestone pebbles in brown clay, blue limestone bedrock, and marl. Aged for 6-8 months before bottling.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Before acquiring vineyards, Georges Delille trained as a sommelier in Paris. In 1963, he bought what would become Domaine de Terrebrune, a property in Ollioules, just east of Bandol, framed by the Mediterranean and the mountain called Gros-Cerveau (Big Brain), dotted with olive groves and scenic views—an idyllic spot. During the years following the declaration of A.O.C. Bandol (1941), mass overhauling and reconstruction of vineyards were commonplace, and vignerons were eager to revive the noble Mourvèdre grape. Georges spent ten years just renovating the property; he terraced hillsides, refashioned the masonry, replanted vineyards following the advice of Lucien Peyraud, designated soils to lie dormant and regenerate, and built a new cellar. In 1980, his son Reynald joined him after finishing winemaking school, and together they launched their first bottled vintage of Domaine de Terrebrune, which Reynald named in honor of the rich, brown soils they farm. Reynald’s credo of “Philosophy, Rigor, and Respect” is not a catch-phrase. He believes that the hard work and extra attention to the vines is worth it, and, as they say, the proof’s in the pudding—a glass of Terrebrune!