2020 Chateau Barthes Bandol Rouge Organic, Provence

Château Barthès Bandol Rouge Organic from Provence is an authentic and deeply expressive red that captures the soul of the Bandol appellation. Made primarily from Mourvèdre, with small portions of Grenache and Cinsault, it reflects the wild Mediterranean landscape — the sea breezes, the sun-drenched limestone terraces, and the herbal scents of the surrounding garrigue. The Barthès family has been part of the Bandol winemaking community for generations, and their organic approach ensures the truest possible expression of their coastal terroir.

The grapes are hand harvested from hillside vineyards around La Cadière-d’Azur, where limestone and clay soils bring structure and minerality. Fermentation occurs naturally in concrete vats, followed by 18 to 20 months of maturation in large old oak foudres. This traditional method allows the Mourvèdre to soften gradually, developing its signature depth and savoury complexity without losing freshness or energy.

In the glass it shows a dark garnet colour with flashes of ruby. The aroma is rich and evocative, with blackberry, plum, garrigue herbs, black olive, and spice layered with earthy notes of leather and smoke. The palate is full bodied and powerful yet finely tuned, offering ripe dark fruit framed by firm tannins and a persistent mineral core. The finish is long and savoury, echoing the sun, stone, and sea that define Bandol.

It pairs beautifully with lamb shoulder, venison, or slow-cooked beef, and is equally at home with cassoulet or aged cheeses. While approachable after a short decant, it is built to age gracefully for 15 to 20 years, developing haunting notes of truffle, dried herbs, and tobacco.