Tempier

The story of Domaine Tempier is, firstly and foremost, that of a couple’s partnership and mutual commitment. In 1936, Lucie Tempier married Lucien Peyraud, and together they would build not only a (big!) family but also the dream of becoming winegrowers and winemakers. A dream that would bloom into one of the world’s most iconic names in the world of wine, setting standards for excellence and authenticity in winemaking. Lucien spent four intensive years training and gaining invaluable experience at other prestigious estates before the couple moved to Domaine Tempier, determined to restore its former glory.

The Domaine had been owned by the Tempier family since the early nineteenth century, passing through generations of dedicated caretakers. After being, like most French estates, devastated by the phyloxera epidemic in the 1880s, Léonie Tempier (Lucie’s great grandmother) had the vineyard completely replanted on resistant root-stock, showing remarkable foresight and resilience. She also built a state-of-the-art cellar with both wooden and cement vats, demonstrating her commitment to quality winemaking. Her efforts were, however, thwarted by the First World War and the devastating 1929 crash. A need to diversify production and focus on food crops forced the Tempier family to turn most of the vineyards into apple and peach orchards, a decision that, while necessary for survival, temporarily shifted the estate away from its winemaking heritage.

It was only when Lucie and Lucien settled at Domaine Tempier in 1940 that the estate’s legend was truly born.

They weathered the hardship of the Second World War while re-establishing their vineyards and getting actively involved in the group lobbying for the creation of the Bandol appellation. Their tireless efforts, along with those of other local vignerons, eventually led to the creation of the Bandol AOC with a decree issued on November 11th, 1941, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s viticultural history.

In 1943, Lucien bottled his first wine: Tempier’s very first rosé! This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the estate, setting the foundation for its future success. The first red would be bottled in 1951, another significant achievement that would help establish Tempier’s reputation for exceptional red wines. In the 1960s, acknowledging the specificity of each plot and demonstrating their deep understanding of terroir, they started making their single-vineyard red wines – first La Tourtine and La Migoua and later on Cabassaou, each expressing unique characteristics of their respective terroirs.

The development of the domaine and wine range progressed hand in hand with Lucien’s relentless efforts to establish Bandol as a premier appellation. His vision was to have Bandol’s ageing potential recognized alongside France’s most prestigious wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley. Central to this mission was his unwavering belief in Mourvèdre as the signature grape variety, championing its unique characteristics and ability to produce wines of exceptional depth and longevity. Lucien and Lucie’s dual role as both ambassadors and passionate advocates for the region proved just as crucial as their winemaking expertise, creating a lasting impact that continues to influence the French wine landscape today.

Their remarkable achievements in viticulture were perfectly complemented by their extraordinary talents as hosts and entertainers. Lulu’s culinary expertise became legendary, setting new standards for Provençal gastronomy. Her kitchen became a gathering place where traditional recipes were elevated to new heights. The events hosted at the Domaine transformed it into a cultural hub – from intimate dinners to the celebrated ‘Paullées’ (festive gatherings of wine enthusiasts) and even an innovative film festival. These gatherings attracted an eclectic mix of winemakers, wine aficionados, artists, and intellectuals, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange and creative inspiration.

The legacy of Domaine Tempier continues to thrive under the careful stewardship of Lulu and Lucien’s descendants. Their children and grandchildren maintain active roles on the Board of Directors, working alongside a dynamic team of professionals who oversee management, winemaking, and viticultural practices. This new generation remains steadfastly committed to preserving the estate’s distinctive style and expressiveness while simultaneously strengthening their commitment to quality and sustainability. This commitment is exemplified by their current pursuit of full biodynamic certification, marking a new chapter in the domaine’s storied history.