There aren’t many wine names as resonant as Domaine Tempier Bandol but this is a producer whose back story is as heady as the dry Provençal rosé for which it is best known. JANCIS ROBINSON MW
As always, this estate crafted one of the most perfumed and complex rosé wines in France. YOHAN CASTAING
This is considered one of the best rosés in the world…JAMES SUCKLING
The greatest rose in the world, ROBERT PARKER
Domaine Tempier make the most famous rose in the world. It’s the rose to buy without a second thought. We only get one bite every year, and it’s gone within the day so don’t snooze if you’d like to grab some for your cellar.
While most rosés are simple thirst quenchers, Tempier’s is classy and classic. It’s one of the rare roses that combine structure and longevity with joyful drinkability. So while it’s released when we’re going into cooler weather, have no fear it will be drinking deliciously in a few months time. Hell, Jancis Robinson has tasted this rose with 30 years on it!
Wine importer Kermit Lynch has been a life-long fan of Tempier and very good family friends. It was his book, Adventures on the Wine Route which I devoured over 20 years ago that got me hooked on the domaine (and many other greats). Kermit raved about the hospitality bestowed upon him by Lulu Tempier and her husband, longtime winemaker at Tempier, Lucien Peyraud. An abundance of food and Tempier’s rose always accompanied their Provençal spread. It's the perfect wine to share with friends, exuding generosity and joy.
Tempier’s rose is textured and talcy with a minerally line of acidity. Delicate flavours of tangerine, rose hip and cherries and tinged with notes of dried herbs and subtle earthy notes. An undertow of tannins supports, signing off with a piquant bone-dry, lip-smacking finish. Think anchovies and buffalo mozzarella, or if you really want to carry on the Provençal theme, then a bowl of steaming bouillabaisse is in order.
These are limited and will sell out quickly – there are also a few magnums too (great for aging).
