Chateau Val D'Arenc 2021 Bandol Rouge, Provence

Winemaker Gerald Damidoc manages this estate which is farmed organically.  In this case, the vines are 50 year old brown in clay and limestone soils, the latter often revealing fossils from ancient sea beds.  They are grown in a valley behind a range of hills that separate it from the Mediterranean.  Made from 90% Mourvedre and 10% Grenache, using natural yeasts fermented in foudres and barrels, the wine has been described as “opulent without the weight”.  I find the wine somewhat floral, but not flowery, still very fresh tasting with lovely finesse, and a fullness in the mouth that makes it very satisfying.  It begs for a roast leg of lamb.