Château Pibarnon Rosé 2024

Château de Pibarnon was founded in 1977 in Bandol, Provence, and farms around 50 hectares organically since 2003. The vineyards for this rosé face southeast towards the sea and climb to a summit of about 300 metres, where the altitude and maritime breezes cool the fruit and hold acidity in a warm Mediterranean climate. The soils are clay and silt with limestone, originating in the Triassic period, and that limestone is the source of the wine's freshness and stony cut. Bandol is built on Mourvèdre, a late-ripening grape that needs heat and sun, here blended with Cinsault to lighten and brighten the rosé. The harvest is by hand into 20 kilogram boxes, and the wine is rested for six months in stainless steel, a neutral, temperature-stable vessel that preserves the fruit and freshness without adding oak or oxidative character. The result is a pale rosé with aromas of red berries, white peach and citrus peel over a dried herb, garrigue note. The palate is dry, mineral and saline, with red fruit, good structure for the style and a long, savoury finish. Serve chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees as a gastronomic rosé alongside food.