Château Pradeaux Rosé Bandol AOP 2024

Château Pradeaux is located just outside the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer in the famed wine region of Bandol. Directly adjacent to the Mediterranean Ocean, between Toulon and Marseilles, the château has been in the Portalis family since pre-French Revolution. The estate endured the devastation of the Revolution only to be hit by the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century. During WWII Suzanne Portalis and her daughter, Arlette, withdrew to the domaine and began efforts to revive the ravaged vines. Today, their descendant, Cyrille Portalis, carries on the winemaking traditions of the estate, assisted by his wife, Magali, and sons Etienne and Edouard. Château Pradeaux’s Bandol rosé is an iconic example of the wines that have earned this estate standard-bearer status in this ancient winegrowing district. 65% mourvèdre, 32% cinsault, and 3% grenache, from vines up to 80 years old, fermentation occurs spontaneously in 100-hectoliter cement tanks, followed by aging on fine lees. The result is incredibly elegant, showcasing structure and nuance, with layers of spiced fruit, and a depth of texture that far exceeds the vast majority of rosés (even others from Bandol!) Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine.