Vieux Marc de Bandol 1998 700ml

Wine Description for Vieux Marc de Bandol 1998 700ml from Château de Pibarnon

Colour & Appearance

Deep, luminous amber gold with coppery reflections. The tears on the glass reveal the powerful alcohol structure and the lengthy maturation in this extraordinary marc from Provence.

Nose

A complex bouquet of impressive depth: dried figs, dates and raisins meet walnut shells and oak wood. Beneath lie Provençal herbs, lavender and a hint of orange zest. With time, spicy notes of clove, cinnamon and vanilla unfold, underpinned by a fine, almost smoky minerality.

Palate

Powerful yet remarkably elegant for a marc. The 42.5% alcohol is perfectly integrated into a silky texture. Plum jam, candied fruits and honey dominate the opening, followed by cocoa, roasted almonds and a hint of leather. The decades of maturation since 1998 have lent this distillate a remarkable smoothness.

Finish

Extraordinarily long and warming, with a perfect balance between sweetness and spicy components. Dark chocolate and tobacco linger on, whilst a fine bitterness from orange peel provides freshness.

Terroir & Origin

From the legendary Château de Pibarnon in Bandol, whose terraced vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean rank among the most beautiful in Provence. Eric de Saint Victor runs the estate organically with biodynamic approaches – a philosophy that is reflected in this rare distillate as well.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Distilled from the pomace of Mourvèdre grapes, for which Bandol is world-renowned. Matured for over two decades following distillation, which lends this marc its extraordinary complexity and harmony.

Food Pairing Recommendations

A digestif of the highest calibre. Excellent with dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, Roquefort or other robust blue cheeses. Also a delight with walnut cake or fig tart.

Special Features

An absolute rarity: a marc matured for over 25 years from one of Provence’s most prestigious estates. Limited availability makes this vintage a collector’s piece for connoisseurs.