Château Val d'Arenc - Bandol Rouge 2020
Gérald Damidot's new home is one of the top terroirs in all of Bandol. Situated in the mountain pass, Quartier Val d'Arenc, Château Val d'Arenc is comprised of 25 hectares of vines with perfect western exposure, capturing all the rays of the setting sun. The vineyards are divided into 30 plots on a hill known as Beausset-Vieux, in clay-limestone soils interspersed with marl and fossils. Since Gérald took over, he has changed many of the practices in the vineyard with the goal of becoming totally organic. All the work is done manually: de-budding, canopy management, working the soil and harvesting. The meticulous work done in the vineyard is mirrored in Gérald's attention to detail in the cellar. His tireless dedication and extensive study have propelled the quality of his wine far past other wineries who have been in business for decades. It should come to no one's surprise that he was born, raised and educated in Burgundy!
The Château Val d'Arenc Bandol is a blend of 70% Mourvèdre and 30% Grenache. The wine is a mid-ruby color with garnet highlights. On the nose, aromas of blackberries, herbs and leather plume from the glass. On the palate, the Bandol rouge is full bodied with notes of blackberry and black cherry combined with moderate levels of mouth-coating tannins and a long, complex finish with a touch of earth. Enjoy with squab, venison or beef brisket with a sweet barbecue sauce.
