Domaine de Frégate AOC Bandol Red 2016, Rhone, France

By pronouncing the word ‘Frigate’, you are already in the heart of Provence. Indeed, ‘Frégate’ comes from the old Provençal fragato which means to break, to smash stones to be able to plant, cultivate. But a tenacious legend gives the origin of the name to some boat stranded on its shore, hence the drawing of a Frigate on the labels of the wines of the Domaine. The stones of the terraces delimit the fields, the stones of the limestone soil give the wine of Bandol all its power and serve as a basis for the various constructions of the Domain: the Cellar and the Pavillon de Frégate. And then, on the sea side, the Mediterranean which runs along the vineyards and olive trees. Domaine de Frégate is indeed the only Domaine AOC Bandol whose vines overlook the sea. This privileged location (humidity of the sea air and exceptional sunshine of 2000 hours per year) gives the wines its letters of nobility. “The dress is intense, red, with almost black reflections. What power of the nose! Aromas of toasted spices mingle with notes of candied fruit, all enhanced by menthol scents. The palate is silky and powerful; The tannins are soft, rather well present. Aromas of cocoa, tobacco, cherry and cinnamon punctuate this magnificent sensory universe with remarkable potential!”