2021 Grolleau “Franc de Pied”Bernard Baudry
France | Loire
$36
Producers
How often do we come across a deep, powerful, full-bodied red with this much finesse? In Alain Pascal’s aged-to-perfection 2012, you’ll find Bandol’s classic earthy, spicy tones, along with a healthy dollop of ripe, black Mourvèdre fruit. This rouge shows unforeseen delicacy and elegance—words not typically associated with Alain, or his wines!
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2012 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 80% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, 5% Cinsault |
Appellation: | Bandol |
Country: | France |
Region: | Provence |
Producer: | Domaine du Gros ‘Noré |
Winemaker: | Alain Pascal |
Vineyard: | 30 years average, 14 ha |
Soil: | Clay |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
Domaine du Gros ’Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine du Gros ’Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine du Gros ‘Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Clos Saint-Joseph France | Provence | Côtes de Provence
Clos Saint-Joseph France | Provence | Côtes de Provence
Domaine Tempier France | Provence | Bandol
Perhaps there is no region more closely aligned with the history to Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant than Provence. Provence is where Richard Olney, an American ex-pat and friend of Alice Waters, lived, and introduced Kermit to the great producers of Provence, most importantly Domaine Tempier of Bandol. Kermit also spends upwards of half his year at his home in a small town just outside of Bandol.
Vitis vinifera first arrived in France via Provence, landing in the modern day port city of Marseille in the 6th century BC. The influence of terroir on Provençal wines goes well beyond soil types. The herbs from the pervasive scrubland, often referred to as garrigue, as well as the mistral—a cold, drying wind from the northwest that helps keep the vines free of disease—play a significant role in the final quality of the grapes. Two more elements—the seemingly ever-present sun and cooling saline breezes from the Mediterranean—lend their hand in creating a long growing season that result in grapes that are ripe but with good acidity.
Rosé is arguably the most well known type of wine from Provence, but the red wines, particularly from Bandol, possess a great depth of character and ability to age. The white wines of Cassis and Bandol offer complexity and ideal pairings for the sea-influenced cuisine. Mourvèdre reigns king for red grapes, and similar to the Languedoc and Rhône, Grenache, Cinsault, Marsanne, Clairette, Rolle, Ugni Blanc among many other grape varieties are planted.
Clos Saint-Joseph France | Provence | Côtes de Provence
Domaine de Terrebrune France | Provence | Bandol
Clos Sainte Magdeleine France | Provence | Bouches-du-Rhône
Clos Sainte Magdeleine France | Provence | I.G.P. Bouches-du-Rhône
Domaine du Gros ’Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine du Gros ’Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine de Terrebrune France | Provence | Bandol
Clos Saint-Joseph France | Provence | Côtes de Provence
Domaine de la Tour du Bon France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine du Gros ‘Noré France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine de la Tour du Bon France | Provence | Bandol
Domaine Tempier France | Provence | Bandol
You don’t have to be rich to cellar a great wine.
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa