Bastide de la Ciselette Bandol Rose

Bastide de la Ciselette Bandol Rosé is grown on the clay-limestone terraces of Bandol, where Mourvèdre—the backbone of the region—leads a blend with Grenache and Cinsault. The estate farms sustainably, and the 60/30/10 split of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Cinsault reflects Bandol's traditional formula: structure from Mourvèdre planted on south-facing terraces, finesse from Grenache on cooler northern slopes, and lift from Cinsault. This is Provence rosé with depth, not the pale tourist bottle. Bastide de la Ciselette works estate fruit from vines rooted in the same clay-limestone soils that give Bandol reds their tannin and longevity. The Mourvèdre comes from south-facing terraces where the grape ripens fully, developing the black fruit and tobacco notes that carry into the rosé. Grenache from north-facing parcels tempers the power with red berry brightness, and Cinsault adds the florals. The estate follows sustainable farming practices, intervening minimally in the vineyard and cellar to let the site speak. The wine shows darker fruit than most Provence rosé—wild strawberry, black cherry skin, a hint of violet—with a savory mineral finish from the limestone. It has enough structure to pair with grilled lamb, tuna niçoise, or bouillabaisse, and enough acid to drink on its own through a warm Lincoln Park afternoon. Serve it cool but not ice-cold; this is a rosé built for the table, not just the patio. It will hold in the cellar for two to three years if you want the fruit to settle and the minerality to rise. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.