Domaine de Terrebrune
Country: France
Region: Bandol, Provence
Terrebrune is a very constant domaine in Bandol. Reynald Delille produces, from the clay and limestone marls of Ollioules, some very fine Bandol wines with natural expression. The reds are very traditional which are not overly extracted (which is sometimes not so beneficial in blind tastings!), which are very elegantly balanced and also age gracefully over ten years and more for the best vintages. The rosés are in line with the Bandol tradition with at least 50% Mourvedre in the blend, they are vinous but very refreshing. The white is one of the most interesting of the appellation. Revue des Vins de France – 1 star.
History
Before acquiring vineyards, Georges Delille trained as a sommelier in Paris. In 1963, he bought what would become Domaine de Terrebrune, a property in Ollioules, just east of Bandol, framed by the Mediterranean and the mountain called Gros-Cerveau (Big Brain), dotted with olive groves and scenic views—an idyllic spot. During the years following the declaration of A.O.C. Bandol (1941), mass overhauling and reconstruction of vineyards were commonplace, and vignerons were eager to revive the noble Mourvèdre grape. Georges spent ten years just renovating the property; he terraced hillsides, refashioned the masonry, replanted vineyards following the advice of Lucien Peyraud, designated soils to lie dormant and regenerate, and built a new cellar. In 1980, his son Reynald joined him after finishing winemaking school, and together they launched their first bottled vintage of Domaine de Terrebrune, which Reynald named in honor of the rich, brown soils they farm.
Region/Philosophy
Limestone dominates the subsoil of Bandol, with tremendous variation between vineyards. Throughout Terrebrune’s thirty hectares, beneath the layers of clay and earth, the blue, fissured, Trias limestone is silently at work. This bedrock lends a more noticeable minerality to the wine than others. The soil here is healthy and full of nutrients, because he adheres to organic farming practices; to achieve the balance in the vineyards he plows regularly. Gentle maritime breezes funnel air into the vineyards directly from the Mediterranean, cooling the grapes from the bright sun—another factor in safeguarding the freshness. This, in turn, translates to wines for great long-term cellaring, including the rosé and dry white. Reynald’s credo of “Philosophy, Rigor, and Respect” is not a catch-phrase. He believes that the hard work and extra attention to the vines is worth it, and, as they say, the proof’s in the pudding—a glass of Terrebrune!
Viticulture
• Organic viticulture with absolutely no chemical herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers
• Soil is worked regularly by plow and hand-hoes
• Buds are trimmed and a green harvest is practice to purposefully limit yields; the average yield is between 35-38 hl/ha
• All grapes are harvested by hand, and selection takes place in the vineyards instead of on a sorting table
Winemaking
• Grapes are de-stemmed and then gently pressed by pneumatic press
• Only indigenous yeasts are used
• Wines ferment in underground, temperature-controlled, gravity-fed cuvees
