Domaines Ott was founded in 1912 by Marcel Ott, an agricultural engineer from Alsace who dreamed of establishing a great wine estate near the Mediterranean. Today, the wineries are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer and produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines, but particularly rosé wines, made at distinctively different estates in Bandol and Côtes de Provence appellations.
The 90 hectares of vineyards are split between the AOC’s eight communes and planted on marl and limestone soils that are particularly well suited to Mourvèdre.
They are composed of two main climates. The grapes grown in the valley offer fresh, crunchy juice whereas those grown at higher altitudes on the terraced hillsides produce wines with more body and structure.
The grapes are all hand picked and go through a stringent selective grape sorting. All grapes are de-stalked. Fermentation is done in thermo-regulated vats followed by ageing in oak casks for 18 to 20 months.
‘The years go by but every year is different’. This quote finds its true meaning with this vintage whilst also reminding us of the challenges faced by the winemaker. 2019 began with a heatwave in February which is quite unusual for this time of the year. This was then followed by unusually cold weather in April and May which slowed the vine’s growing cycle. The weather settled during the flowering phase with warm, sunny weather and slightly cool nights. We had to observe and adapt to the vine on a daily basis in order to give it what it needed and save it from stress. The health of the grapes was excellent thanks to the consistently warm weather. The harvests kicked off in mid-August and quality was excellent across all the domaines with good balance and expression of the fruit.
The 2019 wine presents a lovely garnet hue.
The nose opens with spices, nicely set off by slightly minty notes.
On entry to the palate, the wine is dense and fresh. This is a sunny wine with predominant black fruit aromas which, combined with silky tannins, lend the wine a rich, luscious character and lingering flavours.
Excellent with beef ribs, spicy dishes, strong cheese.
Best served at 15°-16°C.
AOC Bandol
90% Mourvèdre
10% Grenache
Natural cork
