2019 Clos Cibonne, Cotes de Provence, Tibouren Cuvee Prestige Caroline Rose

Clos Cibonne, a Côtes de Provence Cru Classé estate, is dedicated to the ancient Tibouren grape from its old, goblet-trained vines on organically certified vineyards. Situated on Maures Mountain hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean, the calcareous clay and schist soils, coupled with persistent sea breezes, create a microclimate that effectively moderates summer temperatures and encourages balanced grape maturation. The Cuvée Prestige Caroline, predominantly Tibouren, undergoes native yeast fermentation initiated in stainless steel, then completes in 300-liter French barrels with bâtonnage, followed by eight to ten months of aging on fine lees. The 2019 growing season, marked by a dry, warm summer with effectively managed heat spikes, provided grapes with excellent physiological ripeness and a preserved acid-to-fruit balance. This vintage imbues the wine with a foundational textural density and vibrant acidity, creating a structural framework built for extended cellar development.