Domaine de Souviou

Welcome

Founded many centuries ago, Domaine de Souviou (which appeared on the Beausset land register in 1588) is a concentrated representation of the Provençal culture and landscape. Situated in a green valley, the estate was once owned by the actress Danielle Darrieux and offers a magnificent landscape that includes terraces ("restanques") of ancient olive trees and rows of vines and cypress trees.
The vineyards cover 25 hectares and are cultivated using traditional methods and the greatest possible Care for the environment. They produce a Bandol wine in three colours that has acquired a strong reputation for quality.
The olive groves contain 5000 trees, some of which are over 1000 years old.
They produce an out standing olive oil that won the gold and silver medals at the "Concours Général Agricole" in Paris in 2006.
We would like to invite you to take some time to visit this remarkable environment.

PRESENTATION

This 70-hectare property (which includes 25 hectares ofvines and 5000 olive trees, some of which are over 1000 years old) has a glorious past and already appeared in the land register in 1588.

It first belonged to the Bonnasse family, merchant bankers in Marseille, then to the actress Danielle Darrieux. Mr. Auzan, the last owner, considerably developed the estate and added to its reputation. The vineyards and cellars have recently been bought by Olivier Pascal, and a new chapter in the history of SOUVIOU has just opened.

Its AOC Bandol wines and olive oil have acquired a strong reputation both within the region and abroad, backed up by the award of a number of medals.

Roger and Olivier will be pleased to show you round their estate and share their passion for their work. They will also give you an opportunity to taste their products.

CLIMATE AND TERROIR

Domaine de Souviou is situated in the little enclave of the Bandol appellation (1500 hectares, 52 Estates), on hills that form a natural amphitheatre facing the sea.

The clay-and-limestone soils set out on slopes and "restanques" (terraces) provide good drainage and a healthy environment for the grapes.

The soil offers very little fertility. Its natural aridity is balanced by the humidity of the sea air and a modest average rainfall of 600 mm a year.

GRAPE VARIETIES

Bandol Rosé	Bandol Rouge	Bandol Blanc	Côtes de Provence : Rouge & Rosé
Mourvèdre 35/40%	Mourvèdre 80/90%	Clairette 60%	Mourvèdre 30%
Cinsault 35%	Cinsault 5/10%	Sauvignon 15%	Cinsault 20%
Grenache 30%	Grenache 10/15%	Bourboulenc 15%	Grenache 30%
	Carignan 5/10%	Ugni blanc 10%	Syrah
			Cabernet

VINIFICATION

Rosé

Domaine de Souviou Rosé: subtle and refined.

Its "rose petaI" colour gives it an elegance that continues into the tasting.

A fruity but dry wine of a rare aromatic complexity, offering dried fruit, spice and floral aromas and a feeling of roundness and fullness on the palate.

Full of aIl the scents of the "restanques" from which it came, it explodes with freshness and spontaneity when young.

Thanks to the Mourvèdre, Bandol' s main grape variety, it may be allowed to age for several years.

Domaine de Souviou Rosé bas won a number of gold medals and, like the red, may be used to accompany the whole meal.

Rouge

Domaine de Souviou Red is a wine for laying down. It bas been matured for 18 months in oak barrels and is brilliant from its first few years.

A lovely crimson colour, Domaine de Souviou Red is robust, weIl balanced and elegant. The grapes are totally de-stalked before vinification, so it may be enjoyed while still young thanks to the aromatic power of the Mourvèdre, which gives it aIl its strength and a delightfully long finish.

It has natural red berry aromas that, with time, acquire hints of undergrowth, liquorice, venison and a touch of roasting and spices.
Leave it long enough and it will develop old leather and truffle aromas.