Clos Cibonne Cuvee Speciale Tibouren 2022, Cotes de Provence, France

On a hillside of the Chaine des Maures, between Toulon and Hyeres, an old manor house of the seventeenth century stands, panting and dilapidated, surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the harbor of Toulon. The estate is located on the Mediterranean Sea in the south-east of France, between Marseille and Nice. The property of 24 hectares dominates to the west the harbor of Toulon and to the east opens the perspective on the peninsula of Giens and the islands of Porquerolles. Tibouren is a grape variety of the Mediterranean basin that dates back to ancient times. It is found in lower Mesopotamia, then in Rome. Tibouren is a very noble and demanding grape variety whose bunch matures only in privileged places on the Mediterranean coasts, such as the schist and sunny slopes of Clos Cibonne. On the vineyard of 24 hectares on the seafront, the Tibouren grape predominates in the production of roses and imprints the mark and authenticity of the Clos Cibonne estate. Other grape varieties complete the blends such as Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Harvesting: “We pick fairly ripe grapes, the perfect balance between acidity and ripeness. A selective sorting and a morning harvest make an optimum crop of grapes. The grape bunches are grazed before going through the wine-making techniques Grape variety: A blend of Tibouren 90%, and Grenache 10%. Winemaking: The berries are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. For 10 days, pump-overs take place twice a day. The wine is then aged in casks for 4-6 months. Tasting: Bright ruby-red color, generous at the nose, with red berries and spicy aromas, silky, elegant and delicate.