Bandol Wine-Tasting at Domaines Bunan

It’s been a week of rain, rain, and more rain in the South of France. While we usually manage to escape all sorts of weather calamities, this wave of storms is particularly strong – evacuations, floods, and a classification of alert “orange” for our department (the Var) and 10 others.

So while we’re huddled-up at home, it seemed a good time to reminisce on drier, sunnier times. Namely, a sunny afternoon spent wine-tasting at Domaines Bunan just one week ago.

The Domaines Bunan (yes, there’s two of them) are situated about 15 minutes south of Toulon – one facing the other along the massif of Sainte-Baume (near the medieval village of Le Castellet).

Bandol is know internationally for its excellent red wines.

Mostly known for its hearty red wines, the region of Bandol also produces smaller quantities of quality white & rosé.

“Today contained in the vast amphitheater of mountains formed by the massif of Sainte-Baume and Mount Caume, the vineyards of Bandol produce some of the most famous wines of France. Powerful and massive in their youth, they reveal, with aging, great finesse and elegance throughout.”

*Vins et Vinobles de France, 2008

Bunan glasses

This past visit to Bunan was quite our fifth or sixth time tasting & touring the domaine. And no matter what time of year, we never find ourselves alone. Not only are the wines worthy of note, the domaine itself offers a breathtaking view of the Provençal landscape and surrounding villages.

Bunan tasting

On this latest visit, we also noticed that Domaines Bunan is now classified on the Routes de Vins de Provence – Provence’s answer to a “wine road” (check out the site, it’s pretty fantastic). You can now find large signs with the Vins de Provence logo marking the route to different domaines in the region – including a quick dip off Autoroute A50 to Domaines Bunan.

Although you might have to hurry to find your way to Domaines Bunan, as our hostess recounted that their “wine road” signs keep getting stolen. Hmmm… attractive logo? …wine? …Provence? I swear, it’s not me.

To Learn More:

Domaines Bunan website here.

Domaines Bunan on the map.

Bandol wines official site.

City of Bandol official site.

12 responses to “Bandol Wine-Tasting at Domaines Bunan”

Michel

Nov 6, 2011 at 3:09 pm

I love Bandol wines especially the wines of Domaine Tempier. Bandol has been on my list of places to visit but we never seem to get past Cassis. Until your post, I didn’t know there were white wines made in Bandol.

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1. Anonymous
  
  Nov 7, 2011 at 5:19 pm
  
  Hi Michel, Great, now I have another recommendation for Bandol wine! I’ll have to get over to Domaine Tempier. And totally understand why you’ve never made as far as Bandol – hard to get past all the great wines of Cassis 🙂
  
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Jenlaceda

Nov 6, 2011 at 10:11 pm

Unfortunately, I am allergic to anything with alcohol in it – so no wines for me. Can Bandol wine be used for cooking? That’s the only way I can “taste” wine…by cooking away the alcohol 😦 I know, I know…this is no way to live. Poor me 😦 LOL!!!

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1. Anonymous
  
  Nov 7, 2011 at 5:17 pm
  
  Hey Jen, thanks for your comment & too bad about the wine… I have an allergy or two so I know they’re no fun! For sure you can use Bandol wine for cooking…actually I used some of the white wine to make a ragu sauce many moons ago – not exactly French, but it came out pretty good anyway 🙂 Hope all is well & happy cooking!
  
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Marianne

Nov 6, 2011 at 10:54 pm

This is such a coincidence – I’ve just started reading Luli’s Provencal Table by Richard Olney which is all about the Bandol AOC in its early years. Your tour of Domaine Bunan looks like the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. I can’t wait.

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1. Anonymous
  
  Nov 7, 2011 at 5:13 pm
  
  Hi Marianne, Ohh…that is a coincidence! Sounds like a really interesting book, I’ll have to have a look at it 🙂 I’d never heard of Bandol wines before we moved here, but I have to say… they’re pretty fantastic! Happy reading 🙂
  
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Krista

Nov 7, 2011 at 5:37 am

Love those gorgeous summery gold photos of the vines, Tuula. 🙂 I can almost feel the warmth of the sun with just a bit of a nip in the air. 🙂

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1. Anonymous
  
  Nov 7, 2011 at 5:10 pm
  
  Thanks Krista, the fall colors here are really gorgeous! A lot of beauty to capture this season for sure 🙂
  
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Anonymous

Nov 7, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Looks wonderful Tuula! I adore wine tasting, you are so lucky! But not so much with the weather 😦 Are you alright over there?
Wanted to tell you we tried a wine from the Moselle region near Metz called Chateau de Veaux and it was outstanding.
Maybe had a taste next time you’re near Nancy?
XO
Sam

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1. Anonymous
  
  Nov 8, 2011 at 5:19 pm
  
  Thanks Sam! I hope all is well, I’m a bit behind on my blog reading with my new job, but can’t wait to catch up on all you’ve got going on 🙂 Glad you like wine tasting too…we are surely in the right country for it, lol.. And it sounds so fun to go tasting near Metz, haven’t been out that way or tried wines from there either – would definitely love to give it a whirl 🙂 Bonne soirée from le Sud!
  
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Food Lover’s Odyssey

Nov 8, 2011 at 8:45 pm

Ahhh Tuula, You’re making me long for a sip of any of their wines – white, rose or red – and their view of the vines. Lovely post about a very lovely place.

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Corinne @ Gourmantic

Nov 22, 2011 at 5:48 am

I’m a big fan of Bandol wines. Of course they’re a lot more expensive here but worth the investment and cellaring.

Now who’s doing fun tasting, hmm?? My turn to be jealous! 🙂

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