Domaine de la Bégude

Domaine de La Begude was founded in 1996 by Guillaume and Louis Tari who continue an old family wine tradition (Chateau Giscours, 3rd Cru, Margaux). They are devoted to elaborating wines that express the characteristics of the Bandol terroir. The ageing cellars are the ancient Merovingian chapel of the 7th century from the "Conil" seigneury. This village has since disappeared, but it is mentioned as early as 966 in Saint Victor's maps. The estate produced some wine in the 16th century, and some ancient vinification tanks have been discovered there.

The Domaine de la Bégude VineyardThe vineyard is situated at the top of the Bandol appellation (400 meters), overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The estate measures 1,240 acres of which 37 acres are in vines (15 hectares).  The vines are cultivated on terraces facing south. The terraces are divided because of the very uneven relief of the wooded massif on which lies the estate. Olive trees surround most of the vine plots and take part in perfecting a typical landscape of the Bandol area.The grape percentages are: 65% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache,10% Cinsault, and the vines average 20 years of age. Grapes are hand harvested and totally de-stemmed before 3 – 4 weeks of fermentation on the skins.  Egg white fining finishes the winemaking process before bottling.  Production in total is 2,500 – 3,000 cases annually.  This property makes clean and focused Bandol, as opposed to the rustic style so commonly seen from this A.O.C.The Tari family also produces a Cotes de Provence (Rose and Red) made from grapes grown in the heart of the Provencal oak forest, dominating the Maures Mountains.