2023 · Le Lys, Bandol rouge

Château Pradeaux is a historic family-run estate in Bandol, Provence, owned by the Portalis family since the 18th century and now led by Cyrille Portalis with his sons Etienne and Edouard. Long associated with the development of Bandol, the domaine is centered on Mourvèdre, with old vines on clay-limestone soils near the sea. Farming is low-intervention, with organic and natural practices including sheep grazing and no chemical herbicides, and the estate is moving toward certified organic viticulture. Production is limited, focused on Bandol rouge and rosé. The wines reflect a traditional, terroir-driven approach: late harvesting, whole-cluster fermentation for reds, long macerations, and extended ageing in old foudres, resulting in structured, ageworthy wines.