Domaine de Terrebrune

What was immediately clear on driving through the vineyards of this estate was the iron-rich colour of the soil. As the name suggests, this terroir on the eastern fringes of the Bandol appellation area was distinctly browner than the more westerly parts of the region. 

The terroir was a key topic of conversation with our host who explained that the soil was prepared for the planting of vines in the early 1960s with the first bottles of wine being produced in 1975. For the Bandol AOC, the first vintage was 1981.

We had a tour of the cave and the expanded cellars that had been blasted out in the mid-1970s to accommodate more barrels and bottles. On a suitably upturned barrel in the cool vaulted cave, we partook in the tasting of two rosés including the 2017 Boniboure comprising 60% mourvèdre and an even balance for grenache and cinsault. The pour was pleasant and the somewhat generic-looking label didn’t do it justice. Likewise for the 2017 Grande Rouge Rosé which was on the heavier side and would go well with Asian food in its early years and if kept for a decade would match truffle and seafood well.

Tried and tasted the 2017 Domaine de Terrebrune rosé at €17.50/bottle followed by the 2014 Terroir du Trias Red at €23.00/bottle. Purchased the wonderful red (for the cellar).

Destination, drop-in or drive-by? A definite destination. A slick affair – all very nicely done and very enjoyable.

724 chemin de la Tourelle - 83190 Ollioules