Château de Pibarnon - Bandol Rosé 2022

Plenty of wine lovers make the pilgrimage to Burgundy, Bordeaux or Piedmont for Barolo, at least once in their lives. Yet too many are missing a vinous destination that is truly like none other: Bandol.

The bold Mourvèdre grape is to Bandol as suave Pinot Noir is to Burgundy – that is, capable of feats of vinous brilliance and bottles that can last literally a lifetime. And crucially, our friends at Château de Pibarnon craft the finest, most expressive Mourvèdre-based wines in the world.

It doesn’t hurt that the Bandol appellation is smack-dab in the heart of southern France, either. And Pibarnon finds itself at the highest point in this small appellation, an oasis of cool winds and azure skies. Imagine, if you will, standing on this hilltop with the Mediterranean Sea at your back, the warm, ruddy earth under your feet and the breeze redolent of wild herbs, rosemary and thyme. Ahead of you is a sunny, miles-wide amphitheater of ancient vines, deeply green and healthy, rustling in the soft wind.

Pibarnon sits at the highest point in the Bandol appellation (more than 900 feet above sea level) and occupies its own micro-climate. The influence of the Mediterranean to the south as well as the estate’s altitude keeps the southern temperatures moderate, allowing Mourvèdre the long growing season it requires to reach optimal ripeness.

The estate’s unique and rare soils, called Trias, are mineral-rich and retain water even in the driest years; sub-soils are a blue clay (found also at Château d’Yquem and Petrus) which contribute to the wines’ refined aromas and smooth texture.

The estate vineyards grow in a natural amphitheater, which not only protects vines from strong winds but also provides a dramatic backdrop for one of Bandol’s most legendary estates.

Vines are cared for according to organic principles; as of the 2019 vintage, the estate is officially certified. Harvest is always by hand, considering the steep, terraced terrain. Wines are fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged exclusively in a combination of new and older French oak casks and barrels.

A full-bodied, blush wine that captures the licorice and berry intensity of Mourvèdre with a touch of silk from Cinsault. When you hear people talk of “serious” rosé, they’re talking about this wine — a full-bodied wine that reaches its peak with a year or two in bottle. Yes, great rosé can age!

A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault. Age of vines: 30 to 50 years.

Hand-harvested. Cinsault grapes are pressed directly, while Mourvèdre grapes are placed in tank, and free-run juice (rosé de saignée) is drawn off. The wines are blended after fermentation on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. Aged for six months in tank.

Tasting notes: Aromas suggest white flowers and light spice. Fruity, full-bodied and complex; wild strawberries, raspberries, white pepper.

Food pairing: Sushi or other Asian cuisine; Jamón ibérico; Roquefort cheese. With its ideal body and spice, a perfect pair throughout a meal.

Producer: Château de Pibarnon

Country: France

Region: Provence

Varietal: Mourvèdre, Cinsault

Appellation: Bandol

Vintage: 2022