International Producers
Established in 2009 and with Felixir since 2013, this young producer’s steady progress has been heartening. Our first meeting was in their rented shed/winery in the industrial part of Sanary-sur-Mer. Since then, vigneron couple Clément Minne and Pauline Giraud have bought out their silent partners, and acquired and renovated a winery right in the heart of Bandol’s vines – a testament to their ambition and hard work.
6 hectares are owned and 12 hectares of vines leased and fully managed by the duo, with negociant parcels supplementing production of entry wines. The buzz at Gueissard is familiar as with any ‘young gun’ operation – a streak of mischief and humour underpins serious talent and skill. Clément worked at Domaine Tempier before the duo gained overseas winemaking experience, prior to setting up their own estate. An interesting counterpoint to the Old Guard producers of Bandol, pricing for provenance here is highly attractive, and this remains a producer to watch.
AVAILABLE WINES
30% each Mourvédre, Grenache, Syrah and 10% Cinsault. Screwcap.
We wanted another Côtes de Provence in our stable, with this a proportionate step up from Petit G. The bulk price of fruit and juice has skyrocketed in recent years due mainly to the demands of a certain softly spoken angelic brand – it’s now very rare to be able to land a proper CdP under $35 RRP.
A direct nose of brine and flint and grapefruit. Drive and power upfront with orange zest and pink grapefruit flavours, though gives way to the more classic Provence experience of strawberries, cream and garrigue herbs as it washes over the palate. A decent saline lick runs throughout; has individualism among a crowded field with enough freshness and punch to stand out.
Bandol rosé in all its glory – power and flinty mineral meets cracking refreshment. Rare for a Bandol to be under screw cap too, and for provenance, smart value. Loaded up with red currant and quince fruit flavours with even a lick of passionfruit, has superb length and food friendliness.
35% Grenache, 35% Syrah 30% Cinsault. Screwcap.
Brought in as a second option to our biggest selling rosé Jules, similarly nailing the ‘Dry French rosé 101’ brief but with its own distinct character and personality. Guava, strawberries, mandarin and stonefruits, crème fraiche and juicy redcurrants, with a rock salt on the finish. An energetic release with crisp mineral definition.
“Quite juicy with guava, fresh strawberry, tangerine. It has a crisp and sappy character about it, a mix of citrus and red fruits, something of a dry stony feel, with a light quinine bite on a finish of solid length. Good wine. Good value too.”
90 points, Gary Walsh, Winefront
70% Mourvèdre, 15% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault.
Red Bandol is all too under-appreciated in Australia, with the wild fruits and invigorating acid of the Mourvèdre grape making this a seriously appealing style. Initially coiled, this gives way to plum, vintage Port fruit and crunchy forest berries carrying a little baking spice, tobacco and dark chocolate flavours. A clean style, there’s a lovely density to the flavours which continue to open with air, nodding to a promising future in the cellar, though it’s pretty delicious already. Some crunchy minerals to finish and sinewy tannins render this a very complete package.
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