There's the appellation of Bandol, and then there's Pradeaux. The domaine is situated on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer that lies directly on the Mediterranean between Toulon and Marseilles. The estate has been in the hands of the Portalis family since before the French Revolution, In fact, Jean-Marie-Etienne Portalis, who inherited the estate in 1752, helped draft the Napoleonic Code. Today, the domaine is currently under the direction of Cyrille Portalis, the sole direct descendant of the family. He continues to maintain the great traditions of this estate and is assisted by his wife, Magali, and now his two sons, Etienne and Edouard. 

The iconic Bandol Rosé from Château Pradeaux is fermented spontaneously and aged on its fine lees almost exclusively in 100-hectoliter cement tanks, it is both structured and fine, with spice-laden fruit and a depth which very few rosés attain—even in this hallowed appellation.

Pairing: Beef tartare, Stinky French cheeses

Grapes: 65% Mourvèdre, 32% Cinsault, and 3% Grenache, from vines up to 80 years old

Soil: Limestone Clay

Viticulture: Organic practicing