Description
As one of Clos Cibonne’s prestige Rosé expressions, Cuvée Caroline is named after Claude and Brigitte’s daughter. It is sourced only from plots over 40 years old that are organically farmed and planted on calcareous clay and schist. Across these plots, it results in a blend of 85% Tibouren, 10% Grenache and 5% Syrah.
Fermentation begins naturally in stainless steel tanks, and is then racked into 300L French oak barrels, with daily battonage until fermentation is complete. Interestingly roughly one-third of the oak used is new—you’ll find that there aren’t too many Rosés with new oak used! After fermentation, the wine spends another 8 to 10 months in the same barrel on fine lees.
The resulting wine has a richness and complexity that is approachable young, but also develops beautifully with time in the cellar. This is certainly not a Rosé for the faint-hearted, and it demonstrates the potential of the category at its extremes.
Don’t be fooled by the words Rosé and Provence on the label; this astounding example from Clos Cibonne will show you the diversity that can be found within the spectrum of Rosé. The Rosé Cuvée Prestige Caroline is best enjoyed with a good decant to fully allow the wine to open itself up.
