Château de Pibarnon Rouge AOC 2018

Wine Description for Château de Pibarnon Rouge AOC 2018 by Château de Pibarnon

Colour & Appearance

Dense purple with violet highlights.

Nose

An aristocratic interplay of dark fruit and ethereal freshness: sour cherry, blackberry, raspberry and cassis meet balsamic notes. Spicy accents of tar, liquorice, graphite alongside juniper, rosemary, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans lend the aromatic profile a captivating structure.

Palate

On the palate, the Mourvèdre presents itself juicy, cool and full of finesse. Despite its 14.5% abv, the wine comes across as taut and svelte. A striking graphite note gives it a linear, cooling backbone and ensures a magnificent drinking flow in perfect balance.

Finish

In the finish, the fruit shows itself once again delicately pitched, racy and long-lasting.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the highest point in Bandol. The heart of the estate is formed by the restanques – historic, hand-built stone terraces laid out like an ancient amphitheatre. The soil consists of rare blue Triassic marl with primordial fossils, conferring a taut elegance upon the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A blend dominated by Mourvèdre with complementary Cinsault. Éric de Saint Victor’s estate has been certified organic since 2019. In the gravity-fed cellar built into the hillside, Marie Laroze guarantees precise, parcel-by-parcel vinification.

Food Pairings

Outstanding with soured calf’s tongue with lentil and sherry vinaigrette, hearty leg of lamb ragout with turnip and tomato or vegetarian roasted aubergine with curry yoghurt, pomegranate and almond.

Particularities

Despite the warm coastal climate of Provence, Pibarnon achieves a fascinating balancing act here: A velvety, exceptionally multi-layered red wine of rare freshness that presents the often rustic Mourvèdre grape from its most elegant side.