Bandol La Brûlade La Bégude 2018

Lot presentation

Bandol La Brûlade La Bégude 2018

The wine

La Brûlade is a top single vineyard cuvée, coming from a parcel with extreme exposure both to the sun and the Mistral wind, but combined with the mild temperatures and cooler nights brought by the sea breeze. The Mourvèdre and Grenache grapes are grown organically on clay-limestone soils with an average yield of 25 hl/ha. The fruit is harvested by hand, sorted twice, completely de-stemmed and pressed with skin-contact maceration, regular punch-downs, alcoholic and complete malolactic fermentation in wood before maturing for 18 months in French oak demi-muids. This is a limited production cuvée, with an excellent ageing potential. Decanter before serving, ideally alongside a leg of lamb.

La Bégude is a huge 500 hectare property, of which only 40 are planted with vines. The estate lies in the Cadière d'Azur region, near Castellet in the Var. It also has a large olive grove. The vineyard is in the Bandol appellation with 28 hectares sitting at the highest pint of the appellation at an altitude of 400 metres, imparting intense freshness on the wines.With a rich history, the site is like an open book. The barrel cellar, for example, is a 7th century Merovingian chapel. There are remnants of wine vats dating from the 14th century! La Bégude ("The place where one drinks"), is one of Bandol's most magnificent properties; six grape varieties are grown: Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault, for the reds, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, and Rolle for the whites. The soil is mainly marly and clayey on a limestone base.
The estate has been certified organic since 2006 and obtained the Demeter biodynamic certification in 2023.
Already owner of the vineyard holdings at Château Giscours, Guillaume Tari saw in Bandol, and especially in La Bégude, an estate of extraordinary potential when he acquired it in 1996. In 2022, the estate was sold to the Roulleau family, owners among others of Château Dauzac, who are committed to preserving this remarkable historical and natural heritage.