Bandol Wine Region Guide

Bandol wine appellation is located in the south of France, in the Var department of the Provence wine region, and is considered to be the most important wine region in the country. The Bandol wine appellation is recognized internationally and is one of the very first to be registered as an appellation in 1941. The area lies near the coast of Marseille and Cassis. The appellation is built around the village of Bandol just west of Toulon with 8 communes.  The Bandol wine appellation is mostly known for its powerful red wines using mostly Mourvedre. 

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Where is the Bandol wine region?

The Bandol wine appellation is located in the Var department in the Provence wine region, in southern France. The region is on the eastern coast of Marseille and Cassis overlooking the Balearic sea. The appellation covers 8 communes of the village of Bandol just west of Toulon, the majority on the northern side of Bandol in Le Beausset, La Cadière-d'Azur, Le Castellet, and Évenos. 

Bandol appellation boasts around 1550 hectares of vineyard around the coastal town of Bandol. 

History of Bandol wine region

Viticulture in the coastal region of Bandol dates back to the fifth century, first introduced by the Phoceens who formed the Tauroid colony. Later, the Romans developed the surrounding area and wine-making techniques. In Roman times, wines from these areas were known as Massilia derived from Marseille which was popular for its high-quality wines with aging capabilities, especially when transported in ships. 

The wines of Bandol were exported to many countries and were supported by the port of Bandol. The town of Bandol was also called “the hundred barrel workshops city” as viticulture became the staple of the local business. In 1870, the phylloxera devastated the vines of Bandol as the rest of the French vineyards which were recovered by a few pioneers who rebuilt the business. 

The terroir and geography of the Bandol wine region

The topography of Bandol is mostly low coastal ranges and ridges just like any other region in the Provence wine region. The proximity to the sea creates varying mesoclimate across the Bandol area. The warm and coastal Mediterranean climate along with silicon and limestone soils are ideal for the slow ripening of Mourvedre grapes which is a staple of the region. The Bandol appellation is well protected by the Montagne Sainte Victoire and Massif de la Sainte Baume from the cold north winds keeping the region warm with moderating effects from the sea.

The Bandol wine appellation has strict regulations to include at least 50% of Mourvedre grapes in its reds and rosé wines. The blend usually consists of Grenache and Cinsaut along with Mourvedre. 

Popular grape varieties from the Bandol wine region

The rosé and red wines of Bandol are famous all around the world accounting for 64% and 31% respectively. The region also produces 5% of the white wines that are rare to find outside Bandol. The Bandol wine appellation has strict regulations to have a minimum of 50% of Mourvedre grapes in its reds and rosé wines. Other grapes used in the production of red wines are Grenache and Cinsault which provides generosity and finesse to the Bandol wines. The white wines use Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Ugni Blanc grapes producing golden white wines that are full-bodied, and acidic with notes of flowers and exotic fruits. 

Food to Pair with Bandol Wine 

Daube 

Daube is a classic Provençal stew usually made with lamb or beef smothered in wine, vegetables, and garlic and seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

Traditionally, Daube is prepared in daubière, a pitcher-shaped terracotta pot with a concave lid, a night before it is served. The dish is simmered in low heat and cooked slowly to get a rich flavor. Some also pour water into the lid to slow the cooking process.  Mostly red wines are used to prepare Daube but lamb is traditionally braised in white wine. 

The dish became popular around the western world and led to the invention of numerous variations. 

Ratatouille

This colorful regional vegetable dish is a simple, meatless dish that is usually made with a bounty of fresh vegetables like courgettes, eggplants, green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and parsley. The term ratatouille is an old Occitan word for tossing or stirring. Vegetables are first simmered with simple seasoning like salt and pepper, sometimes olive oil. Then it is tossed and stirred up resulting in a colorful vegetable dish. 

The dish became popular after the 1930s and by the 1980s, Ratatouille became the staple is every dinner party. This dish is simple and versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or served along with toasted garlic bread, grilled meat, lamb, and chicken. 

Barbecue

Barbecue is mostly known as a cooking method usually enjoyed in an outdoor social gathering, at which meats or fish along with vegetables are roasted over a wood or a charcoal fire with the lid closed. 

Barbecuing has been a part of American culture and is popular throughout the United States, enjoyed during a celebration or social gathering. Barbecue is often served along with the sauce, salad, sweet potato, and beans. Mostly favored meat is pork and beef. Other barbecued items include lamb, chicken, sausages, and sometimes seafood as well. 

Most zinfandel pairs very well with barbecued meat and sausages that are smoked with the sweet and spicy marinade. 

Pair up with the powerful Bandol red wines. 

Places to visit in the Bandol wine region

Bendor Island

Discover this beautiful French island in the mediterranean sea just 7 minutes cross from the pier of the city. The island is 0.08km2 with a 1.5km coastline. The island was developed by the entrepreneur Paul Richard in the 1950s. Bendor island has an amazing hotel, hotel Delos for accommodation. The island has a wine and spirit museum, five restaurants, an artistic village, galleries, and Ricard advertising objects museum. Visiting both Museums is free and is open to the general public only during July and August.  

The island also has leisure sports activities including a tennis court, water sports facilities, a diving club, and a marina. There is a daily ferry service from the port of Bandol to the island. 

Beaches and Creeks

It is impossible to mention Provence, France without mentioning the white sandy beaches and sunny days in the blue water like the sky. There is a wide choice of beaches in Bandol and are open to visitors who are prepared to explore new and unused sands. The most popular is in the central part of the Bandol coastline which gets quite crowded during the summer. On the east, you can visit sandy beaches including Plage Centrale, Plage du Casino, and Plage du Grand Vallat. On the western side, you can visit rocky beaches including  Plage Eden Roc, Plage l'Anglais, and the Plage des Engravers. 

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Frequently asked questions about Bandol