This weekend, I went to the regions of Bandol and Cassis to visit vineyards & wineries with my Wine Economics class. Domain Souviou, located in Bandol, is a vineyard with over 51 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of vines and olive trees. Although the first family to settle at the estate can be traced back to the 16th century, it was after new owners purchased the property in 2001 that production began to flourish. The region of Bandol is close to the east coast of Marseille and Cassis, and is known for its production of rosé and red wines. Mourvèdre, the dominant red grape variety of the region gives the wine smokey, black pepper, and dark berry flavors. On the vineyard, our guide took us through the estate, followed by a tasting of rosé, red wine, and olive oil produced from trees over 1,000 years old.
Clos Sainte Magdeleine, the second vineyard, is situated on the site of the Calanques National Park in Cassis, and was founded around the 19th-century. Purchased in the 1920’s by the Zafiropulo family, the primary focus of the vineyard is the development of white and rosé wine, and the certified organic products ensure sustainable soil and environmental management. Most of the vines were planted between 15-40 years ago, and are in terraces on the slopes of Cap Canaille.
Domain Souviou Clos Sainte Magdeleine Calanques