S.W. and Rich Hermansen
Guest Writers
wine@lbknews.com
Nestled in a niche extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sainte-Baume mountain 
ridge, the commune of Bandol, located in the southeast of the Provence region of France, has an ideal climate and terrain for growing wine grapes. Vineyards in Bandol bask in 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, tempered by sea breezes; dry, sandy soils force vines to put down deep roots in search of moisture rich in nutrients.
The dominant red grape variety, Mourvèdre, requires the extended end of season found in Bandol to ripen properly. Vineyards in Bandol also grow lighter-than-Mourvèdre grape variety Grenache, to add berry and stone fruit tastes, and the heat tolerant grape variety Cinsault to add a floral nose and tart berry tastes.
The fabled Bandol Rosé wines derive from the “Rhône blend” of the red grapes Mourvèdre and Grenache with Cinsault. The 2022 Château de la Noblesse Bandol Rosé (13% ABV, $26) from the Bandol wine region has a 50% Mourvèdre and 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault
blend. The skins of these red grapes stay in the crush of grapes only long eno