Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE DE L'OLIVETTE: QUALITY BANDOL WINES FOR OVER 200 YEARS

Domaine de l'Olivette: A Legacy of Winemaking and Cultural Enrichment

A Family Tradition Spanning Over Two Centuries

At Domaine de l'Olivette, winemaking is more than just a profession—it's a family legacy. Jean-Luc Dumoutier, who took over the estate that has been in his family for over 200 years, embodies this deep-rooted tradition. With a background as a former business executive, Jean-Luc made a bold career change at the age of 55, diving into what he calls his "second life" as a vigneron. Through a combination of formal education, intensive fieldwork, and a passion for wine, Jean-Luc transitioned from an enlightened wine enthusiast to a professional winemaker.

For the past 14 years, Jean-Luc has proudly worn the title of "vigneron in Bandol." He emphasizes the importance of contributing to the family legacy, stating, "Each generation has added its stone to the building. My goal is to focus on producing quality wines."

Hand-Harvesting Tradition

Spanning 55 hectares of vines, Domaine de l'Olivette is a thriving operation managed by a dedicated team of twelve, with an additional 30 seasonal workers brought in during the harvest season. "They are almost all regulars," Jean-Luc notes, highlighting the importance of experience and consistency in the harvesting process.

At Domaine de l'Olivette, all harvesting is done by hand—a requirement of the Bandol appellation's stringent guidelines. Jean-Luc values this practice, stating that hand-harvesting allows for careful selection of the grapes, enhancing their quality and ensuring that only the best fruit is used in their wines.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

The Domaine has held the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certification for the past four years, a testament to Jean-Luc's strong commitment to environmental sustainability. All the vines are cultivated using sustainable viticulture practices, reflecting a deep respect for the land and its natural resources.

Nestled in an amphitheater-like setting between hills and the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyard enjoys ideal climatic conditions. The vines are shielded from extreme weather, benefit from abundant sunlight, and are refreshed by the morning maritime breezes and the drying effects of the mistral wind. "There's a reason such a prestigious appellation is located here!" exclaims Jean-Luc.

"Wines of the Grape"

While Bandol is often celebrated for its rosés, it is primarily known for its powerful red wines, with Mourvèdre as the flagship grape variety. Jean-Luc is dedicated to honoring this unique aspect of the Bandol terroir. "We are fortunate to have high-quality grapes with substance, power, and aroma. The idea is to highlight these characteristics and produce 'authentic' wines, even if that term is a bit overused," he explains.

At Domaine de l'Olivette, the focus is on creating wines that are true to the grape, without the influence of excessive oak aging. The result is powerful wines with notes of red fruits and spices that remain faithful to the identity of the terroir. "Our wines are what I call 'wines of the grape.' I don't seek to add anything to make them more aromatic, more oaky, or more acidic. I prefer to let them express themselves as they are."

As for the rosés, Jean-Luc's wines are structured and spicy, with fruit-forward profiles that are less aromatic than some other Provence rosés, reflecting a more subtle and sophisticated style. Although white wine production in the Bandol AOC is relatively rare, Domaine de l'Olivette offers a range of whites made from local grape varieties such as Clairette, Rolle, and Ugni Blanc.

Jazz and Contemporary Art at Domaine de l'Olivette

Jean-Luc recognizes that his region's appeal extends beyond wine. As a patron of the arts, he regularly invites contemporary artists from various backgrounds to exhibit at the Domaine, showcasing the intersection of wine and culture.

For the past seven years, Jean-Luc and his wife Elisabeth have also hosted "Jazz en Vignes," an annual event where jazz musicians perform at the Domaine. These evenings are accompanied by wine tastings and Provençal delicacies, creating a multisensory experience that celebrates both the region's cultural and culinary heritage.

In addition to the jazz events, the Domaine organizes summer exhibitions of sculptures and paintings under the banner of "Arts en Vignes," further establishing Domaine de l'Olivette as a cultural destination in the heart of Bandol.

Domaine de l'Olivette stands as a beacon of tradition, quality, and cultural richness in the Bandol wine region.