Château de Pibarnon 2023

Tasting notes and recommendations for Château de Pibarnon Rosé 2023

Tasting

Appearance

With its salmon-pink hue, this wine reveals both depth and nuance.

Nose

Subtle and complex, the bouquet first unveils aromas of red berries (strawberry, raspberry), citrus fruits, spring flowers and sweet spices. With aeration, it develops notes of garrigue, dried apricot and a delicate iodine touch reminiscent of oyster shell.

Palate

Combining power and refinement, the palate offers an impressive phenolic structure supported by lively acidity. Round and fleshy, it unfolds vibrant fruity flavors before stretching into a long saline and chalky finish.

Food and wine pairings

A true gastronomic rosé, this wine enhances seafood such as oysters, shellfish or grilled fish. It also pairs beautifully with roasted white meats, fine charcuterie and Mediterranean vegetables seasoned with herbs de Provence.

Serving and cellaring

Accessible today, this Château de Pibarnon 2023 will reveal its full complexity over the years and can be cellared until around 2030.

The elegance and mineral complexity of a great Bandol rosé

The estate

Acquired and truly established in 1977 by Catherine and Henri de Saint-Victor, the Château de Pibarnon is a benchmark of southeastern France. Located on the heights of its appellation, this estate of around fifty hectares stands out for its terraced vineyard forming a majestic natural amphitheater. Now managed by their son, Eric de Saint-Victor, the estate continues a demanding and environmentally respectful philosophy. Certified organic and experimenting with biodynamics, the estate produces terroir-driven wines combining power, elegance and great aging potential.

The vineyard

Rising to over three hundred meters in altitude, this vineyard is the highest in the Bandol appellation. The vines, averaging around thirty years old, are planted on spectacular terraces facing south and southeast. This exceptional terroir rests on a unique soil composed of Triassic limestone and blue marl, providing excellent water regulation. The altitude, combined with Mediterranean sea breezes, ensures cool nights and constant ventilation, promoting slow and healthy ripening of the grapes.

The vintage

The 2023 vintage benefited from very favorable climatic conditions. The ideal balance between generous sunshine and sufficient water reserves, preserved by the limestone soils, helped avoid any water stress. These factors led to optimal ripening of the berries while maintaining beautiful freshness and lively acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The creation of Château de Pibarnon 2023 is based on a low-intervention approach. Fermentation takes place at low temperature for around twenty days, using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged in tanks for six months, a method chosen to preserve the purity of the fruit, aromatic freshness and the mineral expression of the terroir, without any oak influence.

Grape varieties

Mourvèdre (65%), Cinsault (35%).