Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rosé Nuances 2019

Organic. Nuances is a 100% Mourvèdre micro-cuvée, crafted from specific low-yielding, old-vine plots (including fruit from the Domaine’s prized Bel Air parcel) with the idea of producing a wine of outstanding depth and the potential to mature in the bottle—as Bandol rosé once did (believe it or not). This wine’s maturation in the cellar is also considerably longer than the classic Pibarnon rosé. It offers an even more complex, potent and spicy style of Bandol rosé that could be sipped over several years, or enjoyed now, in the cooler months with richer food.

The grapes for the 2019 received seven days of skin contact and the juice was then bled saignée-style, without pressing. Fermentation and aging took place with natural yeasts in both Italian amphorae and a large, 30 hectolitre Stockinger foudre.

If Bandol rosé, in general, has been getting increasingly lighter and more frivolous (to cash in on the giant Côtes de Provence market), here is the antidote. This is a layered, deeply hewn rosé with a level of texture and intensity that you rarely see in the category. At the table, this would be a great match for truffle risotto or duck confit. Pibarnon vigneron, Saint Victor himself swears there is no better match than roast game birds such as pheasant or partridge. Lucky man.