Domaine Tempier Cuvee Classique

In 1936, Lucie Tempier, whose father was a leather importer in Marseilles, married Lucien Peyraud whose father dealt in silk and ribbons and whose grandfather was a gunsmith in Saint-Etienne, a city close to Lyon. Lucien Peyraud wanted to be a wine-grower. He studied farming in Aix and had several work experiences in the area before he and Lucie settled at Domaine Tempier in 1940, consequently to difficulties due to the beginning of the war.

This was the beginning of a grand epic for Bandol wine, thanks also to the pioneering efforts of Mr Roethlisberger and Mr Perrone, President of the Association to Promote the Bandol Label of Origin. Lucien became a member of the Association’s Board, and also of the Tasting Saand Quality Control Commission. Life was difficult at the time since they had neither electricity nor running water. Lucien rode his bicycle to Toulon to attend the meetings.

The Estate’s prominent cuvée blends the discrete strength of Bandol with the elegance and finesse which characterize Tempier. This complexity is a result of different terroirs of the estate and the variety of its clay-limestone soil located around the Estate but also in La Cadière, Sainte Anne d’Evenos, and Ollioules. There are sandy marls, limestone greseux from santonien, rudist limestone and recent barely deep horizons of colluvions. Plus, there are various sun or wind exposures.

Already showing classic notes of tree bark and truffle layered against cherries and raspberries and a touch of olive, it looks relatively precocious. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a long, plush finish. -Joe Czerwinski