{"product_id":"2021-domaine-de-la-begude-bandol-rouge-liberty","title":"2021 Domaine de la Bégude, Bandol Rouge - Liberty","description":"\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eDomaine de la Bégude is one of Bandol’s oldest and most emblematic domaines. Originally a medieval stopover for pilgrims (‘beguda’ meaning ‘place to drink’ in Provençal), it was abandoned until Guillaume Tari of Château Giscours purchased and restored it in 1996. Guillaume replanted 45 hectares of steep terraced vineyard predominantly with Mourvèdre, creating the world’s largest clonal collection of this variety that forms the backbone of all Bandol, now totalling over 150 clones. He also oversaw the conversion to sustainable viticulture, with Domaine de la Bégude becoming organic certified in 2008 and biodynamic certified from 2023. The domaine was recently sold to the Roulleau family, owners of Château Dauzac in Margaux, who share Guillaume’s vision for its future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eA combination of clay-limestone soils, high elevation (at 410 metres above sea level, Domaine de la Bégude is the highest estate in Bandol), and sea breezes moderate the intense Provençal sunshine and bring freshness to these wines. The grapes are all harvested manually, sorted twice, destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The Bandol appellation requires red wines to be sourced from vines with a minimum of eight years of age, contain at least 50% Mourvèdre and undergo 18 months of oak ageing. The ‘Cadet’ rouge and rosé are an equal blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault sourced from the youngest vines at the estate, with an average age of 10 years. As a result, these wines are classified as ‘IGP Méditerranée’ but still express a distinctive sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe Bandol rosé is aged for a period on fine lees to add further complexity and freshness, which balances the higher percentage of Mourvèdre in the blend. The Bandol ‘Thyrsus’ is a 100% Mourvèdre, fermented and aged for six months in amphorae and bottled without sulphur. The resulting wine displays layers of pure black fruit punctuated by notes of thyme and cinnamon and supported by firm tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe Bandol Rouge is a blend of 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache, aged for 20 months in a combination of 600-litre demi-muids and 300 and 400-litre used oak foudres. Its structured palate is balanced by concentrated red and black fruit with lifted notes of violet and garrigue and a persistent finish – this is Bandol at its best!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiPaper-root MuiAccordion-root accordion_accordion__I9cut Mui-expanded MuiAccordion-rounded MuiPaper-elevation1 MuiPaper-rounded\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-root MuiCollapse-entered\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapperInner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiAccordionDetails-root\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eCertified organic since 2006, the vineyards are located at 400m altitude above sea level at the highest point in the Bandol. Split into eighty different parcels, the diverse clay and limestone soils provide good water retention and ideal conditions for the Mourvedre grape to flourish. Guillaume employs manual grafting to improve the vines' drought resistance as well as the use of cover crops, shallow tillage and biodynamic treatments to maintain a healthy soil environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2021 vintage was a challenging year in Provence. Spring frost damaged several parcels and reduced the overall yield at Domaine de la Bégude. The summer was dry, which didn't help the reduced yield, but did lower the risk of mildew which helped to ensure a healthy crop at harvest. Harvest started on 1st September and lasted until 28th.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiPaper-root MuiAccordion-root accordion_accordion__I9cut Mui-expanded MuiAccordion-rounded MuiPaper-elevation1 MuiPaper-rounded\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-root MuiCollapse-entered\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapperInner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiAccordionDetails-root\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe grapes were harvested by hand before being sorted twice and 100% destemmed and then crushed. Fermentation was carried out with natural yeasts for 10 days in used oak demi-muids with regular manual punching downs for optimal extraction. The wine was then aged for 20 months in 600l demi-muids and 300 and 400-litre oak foudres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntense aromas of blackcurrant and violet characterise the nose with hints of eucalyptus and dried thyme. The palate is textural and well supported by finely structured tannins, the core is brimming of fruit and spices which linger on the long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Wine Tasting Adventure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56705154646394,"sku":null,"price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0527\/4297\/9770\/files\/DB404B19__250x500_7f712c6b-d9dc-4460-959a-9a0c084ea725.png?v=1773840000","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-ta.co.uk\/products\/2021-domaine-de-la-begude-bandol-rouge-liberty","provider":"Wine Tasting Adventure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}