Clos Cibonne Cuvée Prestige Caroline Tibouren Rosé 2023

Clos Cibonne is a historic Provence estate whose vineyards near the Mediterranean coast were preserved by André Roux, a champion of the local Tibouren grape. This rosé is built mainly on Tibouren with a small part of Grenache, the variety that gives the estate its savoury, herbal character. The vines grow on coastal soils under a maritime climate, with sea breezes that keep the wine fresh and lend it a saline edge. What sets the wine apart is its ageing in large old wooden foudres under a thin veil of yeast, a method close to the flor ageing of Jerez that allows a slow, controlled oxidation. That process trades primary fruit for a nutty, savoury depth and a textured palate while keeping the wine dry. The wine shows dried flowers, ripe peach and a saline breeze on the nose, with orange peel and a faint almond note. The palate is dry and savoury, with red berry fruit, a herbal grip and a long, mineral finish. Serve it at 11 to 13 degrees in a white wine glass to show the texture. This is a gastronomic rosé for the table.