Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvèdre

Bandol is more than just an idyllic tourist town on the French Riviera. It is a French wine appellation, and the only one where the Mourvèdre grape is dominant. Andrew James spent two years in Bandol studying this magical grape, visiting cellars and interviewing winemakers. He tells the stories of celebrity residents from D.H. Lawrence to Katherine Mansfield, pristine beaches, peacocks in the vineyards, post-harvest parties and 20-year old bottles of rosé. More than 50 wine producers, big and small, are introduced with detailed tasting notes and reports on how the wines are made. The author's 25 favourite bottles from Bandol are also presented with photographs and food pairing recommendations.