Domaine Gueissard / Bandol
Young Gun, New Wave Bandol
Established in 2009 and with Felixir since 2013, this young producer’s steady progress has been heartening. Our first meeting was in their rented shed/winery in the industrial part of Sanary-sur-Mer. Since then, vigneron couple Clément Minne and Pauline Giraud have bought out their silent partners, and acquired and renovated a winery right in the heart of Bandol’s vines – a testament to their ambition and hard work.
6 hectares are owned and 12 hectares of vines leased and fully managed by the duo, with negociant parcels supplementing production of entry wines. The buzz at Gueissard is familiar as with any ‘young gun’ operation – a streak of mischief and humour underpins serious talent and skill. Clément worked at Domaine Tempier before the duo gained overseas winemaking experience, prior to setting up their own estate. An interesting counterpoint to the Old Guard producers of Bandol, pricing for provenance here is highly attractive, and this remains a producer to watch.