2006 Domaine du Gros Nore Bandol

Domaine du Gros Nore is the Bandol appellation of Provence. It was founded in 1997 by Alain Pascal. The 16-acre estate has been in the family for generations, but until 1997 the grapes were sold to Domaine Ott and Chateau de Pibarnon. After his father’s death Alain started making his own wine and now produces about 5,000 cases annually. The estate makes red, white and rose wine.

Provence is the region on the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France known for sun-drenched Lavender fields and an easy-going, gracious attitude toward life. Until the last few decades it was also known for producing large quantities of unremarkable rosé, often sold in bulk. Today its most famous wines are still rosés, but their quality has improved dramatically. Notable red wines are also being made in Provence, particularly in Bandol, a tiny appellation east of Marseille. The largest appellation is Côtes de Provence. Other appellations include Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes du Luberon, Cassis, Bellet, Palette and Les Baux de Provence. Red and white wines are made throughout the region, despite the attention paid to rosé. Red wine grapes grown in Provence are Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine grapes are Clairette, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc.