Domaine Tempier - Bandol rosé 2018

Domaine Tempier - Bandol rosé 2018 (90 TSW)
Blend of 53% Mourvèdre, 29% Grenache, 16% Cinsault and a splash of Syrah and Carignan.

This rose comes from vines that are on average 25 years old. Most of the grapes are pressed after a short maceration, and a small part of the rose is obtained by the saignee method.

Saignée means “to bleed,” and it also describes a method of rosé winemaking that involves “bleeding” off a portion of red wine juice after it’s been in contact with the skins and seeds. Saignée is considered a byproduct of red winemaking because its primary function is to increase the concentration of red wines. Still, Saignée is a unique style of rosé wine because it is so often bolder and darker in color than any other rosé wine. So, if you’re not a fan of traditional rosé, you might like Saignée 

My tasting notes:

In the glass a bright copper rose color.
On the medium nose aromas of raspberries, peach and grapefruit with hints of Mediterrane herbs and spices.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium acidity and freshness. Round, soft and elegant with enough power. Light tannins and nice structure in this serious Bandol rosé. Also nice to try this one with some age.

Top-class gastronomic rosé. Structure and character require the right counterplay: Tarragon-flavored soft roasted fresh lobster, coarse raw tuna tartare, soft roasted scallop mussel with a little caviar or perfectly cooked langoustine tails.