Château de Pibarnon 2016

Château de Pibarnon Rouge 2016 Bandol

Grape variety

90 % MOURVEDRE + 10 % GRENACHE

Terroir

The vines dominate the valley, facing the sea, hanging from restanques to restanques, up to an altitude of 300m, on these slopes forming a vast cirque sheltered from the mistral wind. The high altitude of the vineyard means cool nights and slow ripening of the grapes. The vineyard of Château de Pibarnon is planted on a very old Triassic soil, characterized by a very high level of limestone. This limestone favours the appearance of bouquets in the wines, and allows the extraction of very fine and elegant tannins. It is also the source of the freshness and minerality, giving the wines an exemplary race and flavour. The Château de Pibarnon is articulated on 12 main plots, all located on the heights of the estate: Bel Air, Jourdan, Pointes-Blanches, le Cirque...

Vinification

As the vine, the vatting requested lots of patience. Tannin extract slowly after long days of maceration and punching. Fermentation is followed by a very long Maceration (about 3 weeks) before running off. Breeding in casks of oak for 20 months. Casks park will soon be renewed at 100%. A diversification in choice of Suppliers and barrels of differents ages to best adapt the breeding of each of our terroirs.

Tasting notes of Pibarnon Red 2016

The 2016 Red is balanced and powerful with exemplary density. On the nose, black fruit and sweet spices are already very seducing but one should wait until 2019/2020 to really experience the long-lasting and suave flavours.

The 2016 Vintage at Château pibarnon

The horrific weather conditions that affected so many of our brothers in various regions fortunately did not reach us here. The 2016 vintage was healthy, hot and balanced but severely lacking in precipitation. The drought however, had no impact on the quality of the wine; 2016 produced small-sized grapes high in quality and with great potential. However, this dry weather did have an impact on the yield: these small berries produce less juice and we therefore experienced a 20% drop.

Yield

Surface of 25 ha in terraces, on high slopes.

Yields of 30 hl/ha.

Harvested by hand, in 20kg crates.