Rose dry
A unique and time-honored benchmark of rosé winemaking style, this wine reveals a rare depth found only in aged rosés, while preserving the elegance of Provence, the maritime freshness, and the authentic expression of the ‘Tibouren’ grape.
The aroma is deep and complex, combining notes of dried apricot, orange peel, herbs, almonds, and a gentle smoky nuance. These intertwine with subtle oxidative tones reminiscent of fine Sherry or a mature white Burgundy.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a refined, slightly saline minerality. Flavors of dried fruit, roasted nuts, delicate herbal spice, and a long, subtly salty maritime finish create the unmistakable signature of Clos Cibonne.
The grapes are grown near Toulon, on south-facing slopes overlooking the sea, with clay-limestone soils rich in stones. The warm Mediterranean climate is moderated by constant sea breezes, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and maintain freshness and aromatic precision.
This rosé is made primarily from ‘Tibouren’ with a small portion of ‘Grenache’. After fermentation in stainless steel, it is aged in old oak foudres sous voile — under a thin layer of natural yeast — which imparts a refined nutty oxidation and remarkable depth of character.
Serve at 10–12 °C. This rosé pairs beautifully with tuna tartare with sesame oil, roast duck with dried fruits, or aged Comté 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.
