If you’ve ever savored the exquisite flavors of Bandol wines, then the name Domaine Tempier likely needs no introduction. Renowned as one of the top and illustrious producers in the Bandol region, Domaine Tempier has etched its legacy by crafting exceptional wines with a remarkable capacity for aging. Rooted in age-old traditions yet infused with contemporary wine-making expertise, Domaine Tempier stands as the epitome of France’s vinicultural artistry.
In this blog, discover as we reveal the rich history of this longstanding estate, its vinification process, and the unique terroirs that lend each bottle its distinct character. But that’s not all – we won’t leave you tempted by this tantalizing wine. Chateau Cellars proudly carries Domaine Tempier wines available for online order today! It’s time to uncork the story of Domaine Tempier and discover why the estate is renowned for its iconic Bandol wines.
About Bandol
Along the southern edge of France, the town of Bandol is known first and foremost as a unique wine-producing area that encompasses all that Europe has to offer in their bottles of wine. It also includes a wonderful array of beaches, cafés, and walking areas. Above all else, however, is the vast wineries that encompass the area. Wineries like Domaine Tempier have been a staple to Bandol for ages.
Tours
Bandol offers a variety of tours to explore the wine-making process, to lay eyes on the painstaking process it takes to make these wines, and to see the exorbitant amount of wines they have to offer. Here are some tours available now and in the future:
- https://bandolwinetours.com/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g635827-d16912961-Cellar_Visit_Bandol_Wine_Tasting_in_French-La_Cadiere_d_Azur_Var_Provence_Alpes_Co.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g196672-d3953148-Reviews-Bandol_and_Riviera_Wine_Tours-Bandol_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Co.html
- https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=bandol+wine&searchSource=3
Domaine Tempier History
1800s – 1940s
The Domaine Tempier boasts a rich and storied history that traces its roots back to the era of King Louis the 15th. The family’s connection to the land runs deep, as evidenced by their construction of the village “bastide” on their property in 1834, a testament to their commitment to the land and wine-making. Their dedication bore fruit the next year when they received their first of many gold medals. However, challenges lay ahead as the phylloxera epidemic wreaked havoc on the French wine trade in 1880. To revive their once-thriving vineyard, they replanted the vines on resilient rootstocks and invested in a more durable cellar equipped with wooden and cement vats.-
Despite these setbacks, the resilience of the Tempier family prevailed. The stock market crash of 1929 cast a shadow over the French wine industry. However, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Lucie Tempier and her husband, Lucien Peyraud, the family business endured.
1950s – 2000s
In 1951, a significant milestone was reached as the Domaine Tempier produced its first red Bandol wine, complete with a label meticulously hand-designed by Lucie Tempier’s father, Alphonse Tempier. This label design remains a cherished emblem, a tribute to the historical significance of that moment. With this introduction of Bandol wine, Domaine Tempier’s reputation began to soar, earning recognition alongside other prestigious French wines like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf wines.
As the 1960s rolled in, the estate’s discerning approach to wine-making became evident. They recognized the unique characteristics of their different parcels of land and decided to vinify La Tourtine and La Migoua vines separately, later doing the same with Cabassaou.
Today
Throughout the centuries, Domaine Tempier has demonstrated how to seamlessly blend tradition with modern innovation. Fueled by passion, unwavering dedication, profound respect for their region, and a strong commitment to family values, Domaine Tempier has not only weathered the storms of hardship but also celebrated numerous triumphs. Their history serves as a resounding testament to the enduring family legacy that defines their estate today.
Vinification Process
Domaine Tempier’s commitment to the natural essence of wine is unwavering. The entire farming process harmonizes with the changing seasons and follows the lunar calendar. Their enduring traditional approach is upheld both in the vineyards and the cellar. Jean-Philippe, along with seven dedicated employees, tends to the vineyard. Soil preparation is a blend of mechanical and manual methods. According to Jean-Philippe,
“Biodynamic understandings allow us to enhance the energy of our soils and natural elements so as to stimulate the blossoming of the vine. We take account of the moon cycles and above all we watch the vines! This farmer’s lore is essential for the domain,”.
The Tempier Spirit is revealed through their practices, from the wine process to the cellar. Let’s follow along some of the key steps the Domaine Tempier team follows to deliver their exceptional bottles of wine:
- Vine Maintenance: Homemade herbal teas are applied to strengthen vines, maintain soil health, and prevent parasites. Sulfur is used to fend off mildew, and a Bordeaux mixture serves as a defense against late blight.
- Vine Harvesting: Grapes are carefully handpicked, meticulously sorted, destemmed, and crushed to select only the finest fruit.
- Wine Aging: Following the vinification process, the wine finds its home in an underground maturing cellar. This cool, dim environment allows the wine to attain its ideal maturity.
- Wine Bottling: Domaine Tempier handles the bottling, labeling, and global distribution of their wines.
Terroirs
While the vinification process is an important aspect of wine-making, the heart and soul of this craft stems from the terroir. Spanning over a 60-hectare area, the Domaine Tempier boasts five distinct terroirs, each contributing to the uniquely complex nature of each Tempier wine. Each of these expansive plots of land has a different geological soil composition, like limestone and clay. As a result, each vineyard is exposed to a different composition, which creates unique growing conditions for each vine. The domain’s varied topographies and fluctuating weather conditions allow each wine to showcase the terroir of the region.
As for the climate, the domain basks in ample sunshine without becoming excessively hot, all thanks to the nearby sea breeze. This climate creates the optimal conditions for growing and ripening grapes in this sunny region of France. Each of these unique aspects of the terroir allows Domaine Tempier to consistently produce their undeniably world-class wines.
- La Bastide
Size: 7-hectare
Soil: Clay-limestone soil and dedo-lomite
Varietals: Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault
Climate: Plenty of exposure to sun and wind.
Wines: Classique Rouge, Bandol rosé - La Tourtine
Size: 5.5-hectare
Soil: Clay, sandstone, marl, and some surface gypsum
Varietals: Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault
Climate: Extremely windy and sun exposure from sunrise to sunset.
Wines: Tourtine - La Laidière
Size: 18-hectare
Soil: Clay-limestone soil, marl, and dedo-lomite
Varietals: Clairette, Ugni blanc, Rolle, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault
Climate: Cooler temperatures with some sunlight.
Wines: Bandol rosé, Bandol blanc - La Migoua
Size: 11-hectare
Soil: Rock layers of limestone, dolomite and dedo-lomite
Varietals: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah
Climate: Some exposure to the sun in the East, West, and South. Not too much wind.
Wines: Migoua - Cabassaou
Size: 1.5-hectare
Soil: Small stone walls with shallow soil
Varietals: Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault
Climate: Warm microclimate with thermal winds.
Wines: Cabassaou
Purchase and Store Domaine Tempier with Chateau Cellars
Chateau Cellars takes immense pride in offering wines of exceptional caliber, such as those from Domaine Tempier. It’s wines like these that serve as reminders to savor life’s most delightful moments and to celebrate them. We are delighted to be your gateway to that celebratory experience, just a simple order away. Now, let’s discover the two most exquisite wine selections from this illustrious estate, both available at Chateau Cellars.
- Domaine Tempier Bandol Lulu & Lucien 2020
$61.99 | Order Today
The Domaine Tempier Bandol Lulu & Lucien 2020 is a wine that not only aims to capture the essence of the region but also pays tribute to the Lucie and Lucien Peyraud. 2020 marked the passing of Lucie, affectionately known as Lulu, just after the harvest at the remarkable age of 103. In heartfelt appreciation of her unwavering dedication to the domain, the region, and the art of wine-making, the family chose to rename their Classique cuvée as “Lulu & Lucien” as a lasting testament to their enduring legacy.
This wine embodies the robust flavors of the Bandol region, maintaining perfect balance– much like the enduring partnership of Lulu & Lucien. As you raise your glass, you’ll be greeted by enchanting notes of sandalwood and the fragrant essence of spring blossoms on the nose - Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine 2020
$89.49 | Order Today
The Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine 2020 immediately captivates with its deep red hue. Upon uncorking, the nose is greeted by enchanting hints of squid ink, graphite, and crushed stone, which gracefully evolve as the wine breathes within the glass. The palate exhibits a remarkable concentration and an almost creamy texture, all the while maintaining a vibrant freshness that persists through the enduring finish. This wine possesses an exceptional capacity for aging, allowing it to gradually unveil its full, glorious potential over time.
Chateau Cellars
Whether you are a wine connoisseur or an avid wine drinker, Chateau Cellars offers our specially designed cellars to simulate a chateau in its dark, temperature-regulated, humidity-controlled, and insulated room. Chateau Cellars partners with wine collectors to ensure your wine case shipments are safely delivered, examined, logged into an inventory, and stored in our state-of-the-art wine storage.
If you want to ensure your wine is preserved in its best condition in the Tampa Bay area, then storing it with Chateau Cellars is your best choice! Find out more information on purchasing Domaine Tempier and storing wine with Chateau Cellars at the link here.