Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Alain Pascal used to sell his fruit to Domaines Ott and Pibarnon. Now, his wines rank alongside those, with their own distinct character. Working with 40 acres of vines in the clay soils of La Cadière d’Azur, his wines are spicy and earthy, with a chewy density to them. The 2014 is especially vibrant, filled with a floral pink-peppercorn spice and wild-strawberry brightness at its core. Decant for a crown roast of pork.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Provence’s leader in concentrated and age-worthy red wines, Bandol is home to the dense, deep and earthy Mourvèdre grape. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol produces characterful reds that, while approachable in their youth, are typically designed for the cellar.
Given its coastal, Provencal situation, Bandol also naturally produces an assortment of charming, aromatic rosés made of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault.