Unheated Rivalry
by Jane Augustine
Unheated Rivalry
by Jane Augustine
It’s a bit funny to write about two equally fantastic Bandols made by men with quite opposite personalities. I don’t imagine their interpretation of the métier is that different—make wines that express their terroir—but a vigneron always leaves their mark, and that fascinates me. Reynald Delille of Terrebrune is introspective, lithe, and gentle. He practices aikido when he’s not making wine. The Bandol he crafts is surely in his image: restrained, layered, and precise. Walking through the vineyards with him is like a much-needed silent retreat: observation instead of chatter, mindfulness over ego. By contrast, Alain Pascal, a hulking and charismatic countryman, shouts and whistles as loud as he can to round up his pack of sinewy hunting dogs to join in the vines. Boisterous and wily, they zip around his ankles before jetting from one row to the next. Alain, who used to practice a different sort of martial art—boxing—comes to life in this moment, inviting you into every emotion that overcomes him. His wines? Full of soul, brooding fruit, and generosity. Despite the differences between these vignerons and their wines, Bandol’s character is fierce and imposing, uniting their wines, and the men perhaps, in brotherhood. It’s worth tasting them side by side to experience the yin and the yang of this spectacular appellation.
Wines In The Collection
Domaine du Gros ’Noré France | Provence
Alain Pascal’s red is polished and pedigreed, but remains au naturel somehow: uninhibited, unfussy, and raw.
Domaine de Terrebrune France | Provence
Terrebrune’s 2021 is harmonious, ripe with garrigue and wild berries, and bold in all the best ways. It’s firm and full of character but not at all showy.
France | Provence
Alain Pascal’s red is polished and pedigreed, but remains au naturel somehow: uninhibited, unfussy, and raw.
France | Provence
Terrebrune’s 2021 is harmonious, ripe with garrigue and wild berries, and bold in all the best ways. It’s firm and full of character but not at all showy.
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New Arrivals
Here is a collection of recent arrivals. Every week, we’ll be adding a dozen or more new arrivals, so check back often for your favorite classics or new discoveries!
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Our five wine clubs feature our best values from France and Italy as well as complex and cellar-worthy wines.