Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles, 'Bandol Rosé', 2025, Bandol (AOC)

'One-Liner'
Serious, savoury Bandol rosé with real depth – peach, raspberry and citrus layered with wild herbs, white pepper and a long mineral finish.

Tasting Note
Pale salmon in the glass, with an expressive nose of peach, raspberry and red berry fruit lifted by citrus and Mediterranean herbs. The palate has considerably more weight and structure than a typical Provence rosé, with Mourvèdre bringing depth while Grenache and Cinsault add freshness and perfume. White pepper, dried herbs and a faintly savoury edge build through the middle, balanced by bright acidity and a supple texture. There is plenty of fruit, but the wine remains dry, composed and distinctly food-friendly. Long and characterful on the finish, with red berries, citrus and warm herbs lingering behind.

Country: France
Region: Provence
Sub-Region: Bandol AOC
Grape(s): 70% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, 15% Cinsault
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Millésimes – 96/100

The Story
Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles is a small, traditional Bandol estate of around ten hectares in the hills of La Cadière-d’Azur, where red clay soils and cooling maritime breezes provide particularly good conditions for Mourvèdre. Jean-Marie Castell oversees the vineyards and cellar, working organically and at deliberately low yields. The rosé is led by Mourvèdre and is made using a combination of direct pressing and a small proportion of saignée, followed by cool fermentation and six months’ ageing in tank. That greater proportion of Mourvèdre, together with Bandol’s naturally structured fruit, gives the wine more depth and savoury complexity than the pale, delicate style associated with much of Provence.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Prawn linguine with chilli and tomato
- Vegetarian: Orecchiette with roasted aubergine, tomato, basil and ricotta salata
- Vegan: Chickpea, Herb and Roasted Pepper Salad with Lemon Dressing