Rose dry
This is a historic and authentic expression of Provençal rosé, combining tradition, maritime freshness, and exceptional longevity. The wine is crafted from the estate’s oldest ‘Tibouren’ vines, which bring remarkable concentration, structure, and elegance.
The aroma reveals layers of dried peach, orange peel, wild herbs, honey, and subtle notes of smoke and nuts. The scent carries a delicate oxidative nuance reminiscent of fine white Burgundy or dry Sherry, yet retains a fresh, maritime character – the signature style of Clos Cibonne.
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with a creamy yet firm texture, precise acidity, and a subtly saline minerality. Flavors of dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and gentle spices unfold into a long, softly maritime, almost briny finish. This rosé stands out for its depth, age-worthiness, and structure – closer in character to a fine white Grand Cru than a conventional Provençal rosé.
The grapes are grown near Toulon, on south-facing slopes overlooking the Mediterranean, where the mix of clay-limestone soils and coastal breezes creates an ideal balance between ripeness and freshness.
Made almost entirely from old-vine ‘Tibouren’, the wine is fermented in stainless steel before being aged in century-old oak foudres sous voile – beneath a natural veil of yeast. This traditional aging method gives the wine its distinctive Clos Cibonne character – oxidative elegance, depth, and unmistakable authenticity.
Serve at 10–12 °C, with seafood, grilled tuna or sea bream, or mature goat's cheese.
Nestled in a hilly landscape between the sea and the mountains, Clos Cibonne stands out for its authentic rosé winemaking philosophy. Although located within the well-known Côtes de Provence region, the estate has followed its own path—crafting age-worthy, expressive rosé wines that transcend the usual perception of the style. Instead of following the trends of mass production, the winery maintains its historical character, works with rare grape varieties, and preserves ancient techniques that have been handed down through generations. This consistent individuality has earned Clos Cibonne a reputation as one of France’s most sought-after cult wineries.
History & Tradition
The roots of Clos Cibonne go back to the 18th century, when in 1793 the estate was purchased by the Roux family. Previously, it belonged to Jean-Baptiste de Cibon, a captain in Louis XVI’s naval forces, who served in the American Revolutionary War. At the outbreak of the French Revolution, Jean-Baptiste moved to Gibraltar, and his land was passed to local farmers—one of them being the Roux family. It was André Roux, in the early 20th century, who decided to dedicate the vineyard exclusively to ‘Tibouren’—a rare but noble Provençal grape. His efforts helped Clos Cibonne become one of the few estates to receive the Cru Classé status in 1955. Today, the winery is run by fifth-generation Roux descendant Olivier Deforges, who is leading the estate toward organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Wine Style
Prestigious Vineyards
Clos Cibonne’s 15-hectare single-block vineyard faces south, just a few hundred meters from the Mediterranean Sea. The vines grow on clay-limestone slopes, benefiting from a perfect balance of sun exposure and maritime influence. Most plantings are over 30 years old, and the dominant grape—‘Tibouren’—accounts for around 90% of production. The remaining surface is planted with small amounts of ‘Grenache’, ‘Syrah’, ‘Clairette’, and ‘Semillon’.
Aging & Drinking Window
What makes Clos Cibonne wines truly exceptional is their ability to age and develop over time—unlike most Provençal rosés that are made for immediate consumption. Thanks to extended aging under voile, the wines gain sherry-like nuances, depth, and gastronomic potential. While enjoyable when young, they reach their peak after 5 to 10 years of cellaring, with the best vintages capable of lasting even longer.
