Chateau Pradeaux, Rose of Cinsault, Bandol, Provence, France 2024

Located in the outskirts Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Bandol, Chateau Pradeaux is one of the most notable producers in Bandol, and one of the most notable and sought-after producers of Rosé wine. Quantities are minuscule, we typically get one case a year!  

The winery is situated near the coast, between Toulon and Marseille. The Portalis family owned the estate since before the French Revolution, with Cyrille Portalis being at the helm of the winery along with his wife, Magali and their two sons, Ettiene and Edouard. 

In the Vineyard

They utilize organic viticulture (probably not certified) and until recently they had sheep grazing through the vines, providing natural compost and eliminating the need for herbicides. The vineyard is mostly planted to Mourvedre. 

The Wines

Red wines in Chateau Pradeaux are mostly Mourvedre from old vines. At the winery, they are fermented with whole clusters and aged in Foudres for up to four years when needed. Sometimes the wines may seem angular and tannic in youth, however incredibly characterful and complex. 

Rosé wines are produced mainly with Cinsault and Mourvedre, receive light skin contact to extract color and complexity and fermented in Stainless Steel at low temperatures to retain freshness and their aromatic bouquet. Then, aged in concrete vats and typically bottled the following spring. Fuller bodied style or rosé, dry, with a beautiful floral bouquet.