The Wines of Bandol with Cedric Gravier

This show was published Friday, July 18, 2025

Overview

Cédric Gravier is president of the Vins de Bandol Association. Owner of Domaine La Suffrene in Bandol, Provence, located 30km east of Marseille. They are making white, red and rose and growing vines at up to 300m altitude and 3km from the sea. The predominant grape variety is Mourvedre (must be at least 50%, max 90% of red blends) blended with Grenache and Cinsault but also with Carignan and sometimes Syrah. For the rose, they use Mourvedre (min 20% max 90%) at around 40-60% of the blend along with Grenache. The colour is deeper than traditional Provence roses and the roses are complex with a long finish. The whites are a blend of Ugni Blanc and Clairette but only account for a small proportion of production.

We talk about acidity and how the vines use malic acid as a source of energy during warmer nights. In locations with warm nights like Bandol, the acids are lower in the juice and the resulting wines. The lower malic acid acididty means holding onto acidity is a key goal and therefore malo-lactic fermentation isn't a technique they use.

Mourvedre must be aged for at least 18 months in barrels. At La Suffrene they are using foudres of 3000-6000 litres, to extract fewer tannins and retain the freshness and elegance.

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