2025 Domaines Ott Château Romassan Rosé Magnum 1.5L, Bandol

The 2025 Bandol Rosé Château Romassan delivers the waxy, oily personality of Bandol, but with more brightness and energy than in past editions. Red apple skin, white pepper, passion fruit and grilled herbs paint a complex picture. Acids gain intensity and focus with aeration, ramping up all the way to the finish. The 2025 remains balanced, but the acids are notably racy.

91 points Vinous

Domaines Ott is one of the grand names of Provence, founded by Alsatian agronomist Marcel Ott in 1896 after he fell in love with the Mediterranean coast. Château Romassan joined the family estates in 1956 and today sits at the heart of Ott’s Bandol story. Now part of the Louis Roederer family of estates, it retains the wonderfully distinctive amphora shaped bottle that has become almost as recognisable as the wine itself.

Château Romassan lies in Bandol, where terraced vineyards of limestone, sandstone and marl bask in Mediterranean sunshine while sea breezes help preserve freshness. Mourvèdre is the key to the rosé’s character, supported by Cinsault and Grenache. It gives the 2025 more structure and savoury depth than the average Provençal pink, while careful winemaking keeps the wine elegant, pale and beautifully poised. This is proper gastronomic rosé rather than something destined only for the pool.

Delicate salmon pink with wild strawberry, white peach and redcurrant followed by pink grapefruit and blood orange. Citrus blossom, fennel and subtle Mediterranean herbs sit underneath, with a faint salty note adding complexity. The palate is dry and finely textured, combining juicy red fruit with citrus freshness and a gentle spicy edge. Grapefruit peel, peach and salinity stretch across a persistent, savoury finish.

Bouillabaisse loaded with red mullet, prawns and mussels feels completely at home here, particularly with saffron rouille and grilled bread. Tuna niçoise, charred octopus with tomato and olives, grilled prawns or zucchini flowers filled with ricotta would be equally persuasive. Romassan has enough substance to stay on the table through lunch rather than disappearing with the first bowl of olives.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.