Moulin de la Roque “Tarente” Bandol Rouge 2020.

Appellation: Bandol

Name: “Tarente” is the local word for gecko and corresponds with the image on the label. The Tarente range contains the top wines from the Moulin de la Roque winery.

Vintage: 2020

Grape Varieties: 95% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan

Alcohol: 14.5% ABV

Winemaking: 22 months in large oak vats

Serving Temperature: 17°C

Maybe it’s the proximity of Bandol to the Italian border or just the strongly mediterranean climate stamping its character on the Mourvèdre grapes, but there is an aromatic character to this wine that always reminds me of Italian reds (particularly Nebbiolo from Piedmonte). But, whatever the reason is, I love the result!

Mourvèdre is very much in command here, accounting for 95% of this complex and intense Bandol, with just 5% Carignan completing the blend. This is a serious Mediterranean red from classic Bandol terroir, built around earthy spice, meaty structure and intensity rather than easy fruit sweetness or softness. It has a mahogany-like polish to its woody character, softened by a chocolate-y/Cherry Ripe fruit personality giving it supple attractiveness.

Twenty-two months in large oak vats gives the wine a rounded and mature atmosphere, while the palate is smooth and roundly tannic, giving the wine satisfying mouthfeel and length. At 14.5% alcohol there is of course plenty of body, but its identity comes from that combination of intensity, spice and structure and that polished wood character that reminds me of Italian reds. 

The 2020 is ready to drink now but has a useful future ahead, with my predicted drinking window running through to 2033. Serve at around 17°C with slow-roasted lamb, beef casserole or grilled mushrooms or roasted aubergine.

Post arrival price will be $66.95