2025 Chateau Pradeaux - Bandol Rose (750ml)
2025 Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé — 750 ml
Defying the pale, delicate stereotype of Provence rosé, this Bandol takes a bold, age‑worthy stance. From the Portalis family estate on France’s Mediterranean coast, it embodies the distinct Bandol profile with depth, structure, and a character all its own. The wine draws on younger vines (average age ~25 years) and gains its light orange hue from the Mourvèdre component, signaling complexity beyond a typical rosé.
Vinification is by direct pressing for 24 hours, followed by fermentation in cement tanks at controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation is blocked, and the wine is bottled in mid‑April of the following year, preserving freshness while building nuance.
On the nose, aromas of red berries, iodine, wild strawberry, jasmine, and spice unfold into a palate that is round and medium- to full-bodied, with mineral acidity and a lively, ethereal finish. This is one of the rare rosés genuinely built to age, offering evolving character from vintage to vintage. Drink now–2028.
Food pairings and serving
- Grilled seafood and shellfish (sardines, shrimp, calamari) with herb oil and lemon
- Bouillabaisse or other seafood stews that highlight Mediterranean flavors
- Herb-roasted chicken, ratatouille, and olive‑oil–driven vegetable dishes
- Goat cheese or soft, tangy cheeses and a selection of cured meats
Why this Bandol Rosé stands apart
- Distinct Bandol expression with Mourvèdre influence giving a subtle orange tint and additional depth
- Vinified using direct pressing and controlled cement‑tank fermentation for structure and clarity
- Malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve brightness while enabling age-worthy complexity
- Provenance rooted in a historic estate with a long tradition of elevating Bandol rosé