Domaine du Gros Noré Bandol Rouge Cuvée Antoinette 2017

Domaine du Gros Noré Bandol Rouge Cuvée Antoinette is the estate's old-vine selection, drawn from high, north facing parcels and made only in the years that warrant it.

Alain Pascal named the estate at La Cadière-d'Azur after his father Honoré and this cuvée after his mother Antoinette. It comes from old vines planted high on the appellation's slopes with a north facing aspect, which sounds counterintuitive in a place as hot as Bandol but slows ripening and holds acidity in fruit that would otherwise cook. The blend is ninety per cent Mourvèdre with Grenache, fermented in concrete with an extended maceration and then given a long élevage in large old foudres, well past the eighteen months the appellation requires. Farming is organic, and the wine is released late and only in the years the estate judges good enough.

Dense, structured and slow to open, it wants a decade in the cellar and then suits game, daube and roast lamb; decant well ahead and serve at around 17 degrees.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.