Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rouge 2022

Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rouge 2022 comes from one of Provence’s most distinctive family estates, located near the Mediterranean coast in Le Pradet. The property has been in the Roux family since the late 18th century and became a Cru Classé in 1955. The family’s commitment to tibouren dates to the 1930s, when André Roux began planting the variety at a time when it was increasingly being abandoned because of its difficulty in the vineyard. Today, Clos Cibonne remains one of its most important champions, and the estate has farmed organically since 2012, with certification since 2020.

The wine is a rare example of red wine made primarily from tibouren, with the 2022 composed of 90 percent tibouren and 10 percent grenache. The variety is particularly well suited to the coastal conditions around Clos Cibonne, where the Mediterranean influence helps preserve freshness while allowing the grapes to ripen fully.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for around four to six months in large foudres. The use of older, large format wood is important here: it allows the wine to develop texture and soften the tannins without imparting obvious oak flavor. This is quite different from aging in small new barrels, where the wood itself can become a significant part of the wine’s character.

The 2022 shows the distinctive character of tibouren with red fruit, spice, herbs, and a savory Mediterranean quality, supported by lively acidity and relatively fine tannins. It is lighter in color and frame than many southern French reds, but has considerably more depth than its appearance suggests.

A rare and traditional Provençal red that makes a strong case for tibouren beyond its more familiar role in rosé.