Wines Bandol Terrasses de Fontanieu - 2023

Terrasses de Fontanieu 2023 is a rosé wine from the prestigious Bandol appellation, located in Provence, southern France. Crafted predominantly from the Mourvèdre grape, often blended with Grenache and Cinsault, this rosé stands out for its structure, complexity, and vibrant expression. The 2023 vintage benefits from optimal ripeness, yielding a wine with a delicate salmon-pink color, aromas of wild strawberry, white peach, and a hint of Provençal herbs. On the palate, expect a dry, medium-bodied character with a lively acidity and a subtle mineral edge, typical of the Bandol terroir. The winemaking process emphasizes gentle pressing and cool fermentation to preserve aromatic purity and freshness, resulting in a rosé with notable finesse and a lingering finish.

Bandol, one of Provence’s most celebrated wine regions, enjoys a privileged position near the Mediterranean Sea, basking in abundant sunshine and cooled by maritime breezes. The soils here, rich in limestone and clay, foster deep-rooted vines and impart a marked minerality to the wines. Bandol’s winemaking tradition stretches back centuries, and the region’s rosés have gained worldwide recognition for their age-worthy potential and gastronomic versatility. With its warm, dry climate and winds like the Mistral, Bandol is ideal for the late-ripening Mourvèdre grape, which forms the backbone of its wines.

A Bandol rosé like Terrasses de Fontanieu 2023 matches beautifully with Mediterranean dishes and Provençal cuisine. Fresh seafood—particularly grilled prawns or bouillabaisse—is enhanced by its vibrant acidity. Try it with pissaladière, Niçoise salad, or herb-marinated chicken. Its structure also stands up to more flavorful fare, such as ratatouille or lamb skewers with rosemary. For a local touch, pair with tapenade or anchovy tartines.

To enjoy the full aromatic range and palate freshness, serve this Bandol rosé well-chilled, ideally between 10-12°C. Pour into tulip-shaped glasses to accentuate the bouquet, and savor it both as an aperitif and throughout your meal. This vintage can be enjoyed young but will also develop greater complexity over the next two to three years.