Domaine Tempier Cuvée Classique Rouge 2022

Domaine Tempier is a benchmark producer in AOC Bandol on the Provence coast, with a winemaking history reaching back to the time of Louis XV and a reputation built on Lucien Peyraud's commitment to the Mourvedre grape. This Cuvee Classique is a biodynamic red led by Monastrell, the local name for Mourvedre, blended with Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan and Syrah. Bandol's warm maritime climate and its poor limestone and sandstone soils suit the late-ripening Mourvedre, which needs heat and sun to develop fully and gives the wine its dark fruit, firm tannin and savoury character. The blend is aged for 20 months in French oak, a long elevage that resolves Mourvedre's naturally hard tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a savoury, leathery depth. The colour is deep and the nose combines ripe plum and black cherry with leather, garrigue herbs, black pepper and a note of liquorice. On the palate it is structured and earthy, medium to full in body at 13% alcohol, with grippy tannins and a long savoury finish that rewards cellaring. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanted, with roast lamb, game or a mature hard cheese.