2022 Clos Cibonne Tradition Rosé
WINEMAKER: Olivier Deforges
REGION: Côtes de Provence, FR
VARIETY: Tibouren, Grenache
VITICULTURE: Organic
One of the greatest rosés on the planet.
Bright fruits rise from the glass, red current, cranberry and strawberry. Also, peach. Backing this is a wave of complexity, orange zest, spice, clove, salty mineral. The palate is fresh, textured with mineral running front to back. Layers of smoke and zest. One of the greats.
The most southerly Cru Classé grower in the Côtes de Provence AOP, just 800m from the coast and surrounded by hillsides in the base of a bowl that faces the sea. This unique topography promotes air circulation, extending the growing period whilst cooling the vines. The soil is a mixture of schist & clay. After harvest, the wines are fermented in stainless steel & some are then aged under fleurette (a thin veil of yeast) in 100-year-old, 500L foudres. This wine is made from the most historic part of the Clos Cibonne property. 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache - this is how rosé was made in the region 100 years ago, before modernisation occurred. After fermentation the wine is aged on the lees under fleurette for 1 year in 100-year-old foudres (5000 litres). Provence rosé done right.