Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles, Bandol Rouge 2015

Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles is a Provençal estate with a superb terroir and is widely recognised as one of the top producers in the Bandol appellation. Jean-Marie Castell runs this small, traditional estate with just 10ha of vines on the famous red clay soil of Bandol. The estate is nestled in the protective hillsides of the Cadière d'Azur and benefits from a maritime climate which helps protect it from the excessive heat sometimes experienced on the French Riviera.

The domaine works with minimal intervention as a watchword. They aim for extremely low yields, practice organic viticulture and natural winemaking including very limited sulphur dioxide in their winemaking. Jean-Marie Castell manages the vineyards and winery where the once rustic facilities have, in recent years, been updated with modern temperature controlled systems.