The Bandol appellation (an AOC since 1941) covers 1500 hectares, entirely south-facing between Marseille and Toulon. Spread over eight communes surrounding Bandol, the vineyards form an amphitheatre oriented towards the sea. Erosion has obliged winegrowers to build terraces in some areas, known as "restanques". Rich in silica from the disintegration of the parent rock, calcareous sandstone or sandy marl, the soil is suited to the production of fine, structured wines. This very sunny terroir benefits from an excellent microclimate: the summer heat is tempered by the proximity of the Mediterranean on the one side and the amphitheatre of wooded hillsides provide protection from the cold north wind on the other. White Bandols are made from a base of Clairette, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc. The vines are usually north-facing, enlivened by the sea breeze that gives them extra freshness; white Bandol presents a clean attack, followed by a splendid aromatic complexity (white flowers, citrus and orchard fruit).