Clos Cibonne Côtes de Provence Rosé Cru Classé ‘Tradition’ 2021 Provence

Tibouren 90%; Grenache / Garnacha 10%

Tibouren is also known as Rossesse di Dolceaqua in Liguria where it is used to make delightful light red wines.

Grapes are grown on the slopes of the Maures mountains, close to the sea and overlooking Toulon harbour. The soils drain well and sea breezes moderate the summer temperature. Grapes are picked during the morning, before the temperature rises, at the point of optimum balance between acidity and ripeness. The juice is transferred immediately to chilled stainless steel vats so that fermentation starts slowly then proceeds for about 10 days. After blending the wine is aged for 1 year in 100 year old oak casks.

Clos Cibonne was built, and the first vineyards planted, by Jean-Baptiste de Cibon, who led Louis XVI's navy. In line with tradition, the property was given the feminine derivative of his name. After his death in 1797, the property passed to the Roux family, who still own it today. André Roux established the property's wine reputation in the 1930's based upon his work with the Tibouren grape: indeed, without his wines it is likely that the variety would have died out. He was also involved in the 1950's in the establishment of the Provence Cru Classe designation, awarded to 18 properties including Clos Cibonne.

André's granddaughter Brigitte and her husband Claude assumed responsibility for the business in 2003.