Château de Pibarnon 2017

The finesse and aromatic richness of a fine Bandol red wine

The estate

In 1978, Henri and Catherine de Saint Victor were utterly smitten with Château de Pibarnon. Henri de Saint Victor left his job in a laboratory and learned how to manage the vineyard and make wine, while gradually increasing the surface area of his vineyard. Eric de Saint Victor joined his parents in 1989 before taking over the management of the estate in 2000.

The vineyard

With a surface area of 50 hectares, the vineyard of Château de Pibarnon produces fine Bandol wines that have won numerous awards and are recognised for their finesse and their great ageing potential.

The Château de Pibarnon vineyard is divided into 12 main plots located on the upper reaches of the estate. Overlooking the sea, the vines are planted on slopes that form a vast amphitheatre, sheltering them from the Mistral wind. The high altitude (up to 300 metres) of the vineyard guarantees cool nights which favour a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes.

The wine

Comprising a surface area of 25 hectares, the vineyard dedicated to the production of Château de Pibarnon's red wine is planted on a soil composed mainly of limestone, which provides an aromatic richness, fine tannins and above all a fresh and mineral expression, a sought-after feature of red wines from this appellation.

The vintage

The water reserves resulting from a very rainy winter compensated for the drought of 2016. Although the yields of this vintage are low (30hl/ha), the grapes harvested at full maturity are brilliant and reveal a beautiful elegance.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are worked by gravity in order to slowly extract the tannins with regular punching down. After fermentation, the wine is left to ferment for 3 weeks before being run off. The wine is aged in oak barrels (100% renewed every year) for 20 months.

The blend

Mourvèdre (90%)

Grenache (10%).

Château de Pibarnon 2017 red wine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Boasting a great finesse, this 2017 Bandol wine by Château de Pibarnon blends both depth and amplitude. Marked by intense aromas of black fruits and sweet spices, this fine red wine guarantees an exceptional ageing potential.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, it is best to decant this 2017 Bandol wine.

Food and wine pairing

This 2017 Bandol wine by Château de Pibarnon will complement red meats, cooked rare, sreved with a sauce and a few herbs (sage, rosemary).