Domaine Tempier

The history of Domaine Tempier

It is impossible to talk about the great wines of Provence without mentioning Domaine Tempier, a true legend of the Bandol vineyard. Nestled between the sea and hills, the estate takes its name from the Tempier family, who owned the property from the mid-19th century. Located in Castellet, near Bandol, the property was originally a typical agricultural estate of southern France, with vineyards, olive trees, and orchards. 

In 1936, Lucie Tempier, heir to the estate, married Lucien Peyraud, a young agricultural engineer. This marriage marked the beginning of a new era.Lucien discovers the potential of Mourvèdre after a trip to Spain and then becomes aware of the richness of the Bandol terroir. Upon his arrival, he therefore sets about restructuring the vineyard, massively planting Mourvèdre—a variety that was then marginalized—and raising the qualitative level of the wines.

In 1941, Lucien Peyraud played a central role in the creation of the Bandol AOC, even becoming secretary of the winegrowers' union for several decades. Between the 1940s and 1970s, Domaine Tempier acquired a solid reputation, both nationally and internationally. The vineyard continued to expand, selecting the best plots from Castellet and its surroundings, with priority given to the terroirs of restanques (Provençal terraces), as well as to old vines.In the 1960s, Lucie and Lucien's children, Jean-Marie and François, also actively joined their parents at the estate.

In 2000, the family decided to entrust the management of the estate to Daniel Ravier, an agronomist engineer originally from Savoy and passionate about great terroirs. His arrival also marked a new stage: modernization of the facilities, deepening of plot work, structuring of viticulture as well as winemaking were all projects successfully implemented.

From a family Provençal farm to a living monument of French wine, Domaine Tempier has crossed the ages without ever giving in to ease.Thanks to the intuition of the Peyraud family, the vision of Lucie (Lulu) and Lucien, the high standards of Daniel Ravier, and an unwavering attachment to its terroir, the estate is today one of the strongest symbols of Mourvèdre and of excellence in Provençal viticulture.

The terroirs of Domaine Tempier

Domaine Tempier benefits from a mosaic of remarkable terroirs, located in the commune of Le Castellet, at the heart of the Bandol appellation, in the Var region. Its vineyard, covering nearly 60 hectares, extends over a diversity of soils and exposures that give each cuvée its own identity, while faithfully expressing the Mediterranean soul of Mourvèdre.

The main terroir of the estate is primarily based on very old clay-limestone soils, rich in pebbles, offering the vine excellent drainage and natural water regulation. This poor and demanding soil also encourages deep rooting of the vine, which is essential for the concentration of aromas and the complexity of the wines. These are sloping terroirs, often in terraces, bathed in sunlight and ventilated by the mistral, ensuring slow and even ripening of the grapes while preserving freshness.

Mourvèdre, the flagship grape variety of Bandol, finds here an exceptional place for expression: it gives rise to powerful red wines, structured yet always elegant, capable of long aging.The old vines of the estate, some of which are a hundred years old, also make it possible to produce deep and genuine cuvées. The variety of plots allows the estate to create subtle blends or to offer single-vineyard selections from a specific terroir with a well-defined character: sunnier, more austere, more mineral, or spicier depending on the exposure, slope, and nature of the soil.

This geological and topographical richness, combined with respectful and patient cultivation, makes the terroirs of Domaine Tempier one of the major assets of its reputation. 

The wines of Domaine Tempier

Each cuvée from Domaine Tempier is a faithful interpretation of the Bandol terroir and a sensitive showcase of the Mourvèdre grape variety, the true backbone of the local wine identity. This Mediterranean grape, renowned for its power, complexity, and aging potential, indeed finds here a privileged ground for expression. 

The estate's range consists of 6 cuvées, starting with the so-called “classic” cuvées of the estate: the rosé, the white, as well as the red “Lulu et Lucien.”

The Bandol red “Lulu & Lucien” perfectly embodies the spirit of the estate.Composed mainly of Mourvèdre, accompanied depending on the vintage by Grenache, Cinsault, and sometimes Carignan, it comes from a blend of different plots spread across the entire vineyard. This wine presents a generous, structured profile, with silky tannins and excellent aging potential. Less rare than the single-vineyard cuvées, it remains nonetheless a great Mediterranean red wine, precise, balanced, and true to the identity of Bandol.

The rosé from Domaine Tempier also deserves special attention. Far from the mass-produced thirst-quenching rosés, this one is crafted for the table and for aging. Made mainly from Mourvèdre, complemented by Grenache and Cinsault, it displays beautiful aromatic complexity, blending stone fruits, candied citrus, spices, and floral notes.On the palate, it impresses with its structure and length, offering a style that is both gastronomic and refined. 

Finally, although more confidential, the Bandol blanc from the estate, often made from Clairette, Ugni blanc, Rolle, and Marsanne, follows the same standard of excellence. Fresh and vibrant, it offers a beautiful minerality and delicate notes of white flowers, citrus, and almonds, perfect for pairing with grilled fish, fresh cheeses, or Provençal dishes. 

Then, at the heart of this exceptional range, three iconic single-vineyard cuvées illustrate all the subtlety of the estate’s single-vineyard approach and the complexity of Provençal Mourvèdre:

La Tourtine, located on south-facing slopes swept by the mistral, rests on clay-limestone soil that promotes berry concentration. This sun-drenched terroir gives rise to a powerful wine, dominated by Mourvèdre (often over 85%), with a robust and fleshy profile. Deeply Mediterranean, this cuvée develops aromas of ripe black fruits, leather, garrigue, and sweet spices. Its serious tannic structure and long finish make it a great wine for cellaring, capable of evolving gracefully over several decades.

La Migoua, for its part, comes from plots located higher in altitude, in a cooler and more contrasting environment. The soil there is more complex, mixing limestone, sandstone, and pebbles. In this cuvée, Mourvèdre is blended with Grenache, Cinsault, and sometimes Syrah, to offer a more ethereal profile. The wine is vibrant, more floral, with notes of violet, tangy red fruits, and minerality. The tannins are fine, the palate is taut, and the finish is of great precision. A more subtle expression of the Bandol terroir, without sacrificing any of its intensity.

Finally, Cabassaou is the most exclusive cuvée of the estate.From a tiny, wind-protected plot located below La Tourtine, this cuvée is a true Mourvèdre concentrate, crafted from very old vines. Dense, structured, and almost austere in its youth, Cabassaou impresses with its concentration, velvety texture, and depth. It is a sculptural wine, built for the very long term, which reveals over the years aromas of truffle, fine tobacco, cocoa, and candied fruit. A sought-after cuvée for collectors and discerning enthusiasts.

Available both in 75cl bottles and magnum format, the wines from Domaine Tempier are the result of meticulous work carried out by the Peyraud family and Daniel Ravier, 

The great wines of Bandol and Domaine Tempier at La Cave Éclairée

Would you like to discover the power of Mourvèdre and the delights of the Bandol AOC? Treat yourself to a true journey through Provence with the iconic cuvées from Domaine Tempier! In bottle or magnum, in red, rosé, and white, the bottles from this renowned estate express the soul of a unique terroir.

Thanks to our online selection, you can order all the cuvées from the estate safely and with great ease.From the single-vineyard wines La Migoua, Cabassaou, and La Tourtine to the classic cuvées, all Domaine Tempier wines are in stock in our warehouse and available for fast and careful delivery, to your home or to a pick-up point.

Enjoy a wide selection, fair prices, and quality service to enrich your cellar with Bandol wines that are both authentic and sought-after!