Le domaine

Bandol protected designation of origin (AOC)

A vineyard like no other

La Suffrène, between earth and sea

Bandol is one of the most prestigious vineyards of Provence. It owes its reputation to a very favorable microclimate, and to its historic varietal : Mourvedre.
Founded in 1941, the Bandol appellation is one of the oldest in France.
Bandol wines follow very precise specifications inherited from our ancestors, such as low yields and harvest by hand, allowing a rigorous selection of grapes.

Our vineyard spread across 5 villages around the estate, which allows us to draw the best of what nature has to offer.

Our vines bask in the Provençal sun on clay-limestone soils and benefit from the refreshing influence of the nearby sea. The exceptional quality of our grapes reflects the dedication of a passionate team and carefully considered agricultural methods that respect biodiversity. Our agroforestry practices are preparing our vineyard for the challenges of the future.

Creation of the designation AOC Bandol

1941

Mr. Piche was one of the founders of the Bandol appellation. He worked from the beginning to develop the family vineyard created at the beginning of the century, bringing his grapes to the cooperative cellar.

Origins

1996

His grandson, Cédric Gravier takes over, creates the winery and vinifies the first cuvée.

First cuvées

1997 / 1998

The first cuvée in red, white and rosé are presented to the public for the first time.

Production

250 000

This is the number of bottles we produce each year.

First distinctions

2000

Each year, we present our wines at various national and international competitions.

Exportation

110 000

That's the number of bottles we export to 19 countries around the world, nearly 40% of our annual production.

In Organic Conversion

2018

Start of the process for an official certification in 2021.

HVE Label

2019

La Suffrène is certified HVE (High Environnemental Value)

Organic Farming Label

2021

2021 is our first vintage officially certified in organic agriculture.

100

Human

100

Local

100

Quality

Our Story

The Suffrène is above all a family estate combining tradition and modernity. The vines have been in the family for over a century. After the war, Mr. Piche, a young farmer, began to develop the family vineyard. He is one of the pioneers of the Bandol appellation. His grandson, Cédric Gravier, then took over the vineyard in 1996, and built the cellar as it exists today. He has been managing the production and marketing of his wines ever since.

Organic Agriculture

At La Suffrène, we have long been mindful of the respect of our environment and the quality of our vineyard. We are very attentive to the products we use and adapt our farming methods to minimize inputs. Our practices have been similar to organic farming for years. In 2018, we started the official conversion process. Our wines and olive oil have been officially labeled organic in 2021.

A local savoir-faire

The place called ``Les Lauves``, taking its name from its specific flat stones, is located on the heights of La Cadière, with a breathtaking view of the sea. These plots, isolated in the wilderness, north of the appellation, cover around 30 hectares. We select our best grapes to elaborate our most beautiful cuvées. This terroir grants a strong identity to our wines, the altitude and proximity of the sea bringing the necessary freshness necessary to create the perfect balance.

Climate issues

We are facing undeniable climate change, and it is our responsibility to look ahead and respond to the agro-environmental challenges it brings. To do so, we have chosen agroforestry as one of the possible solutions. Viticultural agroforestry is the integration of trees and vines on the same plot of land. This long-term project, the result of in-depth reflection and careful observation of our vineyards, has a dual objective: to support and protect the local flora and fauna, and, over time, to create natural shade to help shield the vines from the intense Provençal sun.

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