Weather and Soils of Bandol with Cedric Gravier

This show was published Friday, August 1, 2025

Overview

In this second part with Cedric Gravier, winemaker at La Suffrene in Bandol and president of Vins de Bandol, we talk about the weather and soils in the region. The region is mostly affected by the Mistral wind that runs from the Rhone Valley to Provence and drought conditions which are increasing due to climate change. Bush vines protect the grapes from being burned by keeping them out of direct sunlight. The grapes must be hand picked and are usually sorted on the vines rather than at the winery.

Appellation rules used to ban irrigation but were changed two years ago so that in drought periods, they can irrigate the vines but only by using a moving system (e.g. drip or sprinklers) rather than a fixed system. This restriction limits the use of irrigation methods to only extreme circumstances.

The Bandol soils are a blend of clay and limestone in varying amounts, bringing diversity to the vineyard sites, alongside diversity of grape varieties and producers.

Subscribe

Using XML subscription or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you normally listen to podcasts.

Sponsorship

The UK Wine Show is sponsored by ThirtyFifty. Our team of wine tasters are busy entertaining and educating UK consumers to help them get the most out of wine.

Support us on Patreon

If you are a regular listener, do consider supporting the UK Wine Show on Patreon. You can pledge a monthly payment, equivalent to a cup of coffee or very small glass of wine!

Become a Patron!

Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.