Château de Pibarnon | Estate and wine guide

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WHERE DOES DOMAINE DE PIBARNON COME FROM?

In 1978, Henri and Catherine de Saint-Victor acquired Château de Pibarnon and undertook titanic restoration work. For almost 20 years, Domaine de Pibarnon has been presided over by Eric de Saint Victor. The estate has risen to a level of perfection far beyond the scope of its name. Planted on terraces at an altitude of 300 metres, the Château de Pibarnon vineyards benefit from a micro-climate and real water retention capacity. Pibarnon's vines are constantly irrigated thanks to the limestone soils, which prevent erosion and retain water like sponges. Château de Pibarnon is the benchmark for greatness, not only for Bandol but for wines from all over the world. Like a fine Barolo, Pibarnon Bandol is an eternal wine, growing ever more elegant and supple with age; and like a grand cru de Bourgogne, the depth and complexity of Pibarnon Bandol is a singular and captivating experience. Perched on the appellation's highest point, blessed with impeccable terroir and an unforgettable amphitheater of vines, Pibarnon produces some of Bandol's finest Mourvèdre-based wines. This breathtakingly rugged region is uniquely suited to showcasing the power and beauty of this southern red grape. Bandol was just a swamp when Catherine and Henri de Saint Victor bought Pibarnon in the late 1970s. Aware of the region's potential, the visionary couple worked tirelessly for some thirty years to develop the landscape and produce ever-better wines. By the 1990s, Pibarnon was producing some of the finest red wines in the region, a status now maintained by their son, Eric de Saint Victor. Henri passed away in 2013.

 

AGRICULTURE AND VITICULTURE

 

Pibarnon lies at the highest point of the Bandol appellation (over 900 feet above sea level) and occupies its own microclimate. The influence of the Mediterranean to the south and the estate's altitude maintain moderate southern temperatures, allowing Mourvèdre the long growing season it needs to reach optimal ripeness. The estate's unique and rare soils, called Trias, are rich in minerals and retain water even in the driest years; the subsoils are made up of a blue clay (also found at Château d'Yquem and Petrus) that contributes to the refined aromas and smooth texture of the wines. The estate's vineyards grow in a natural amphitheater, which not only protects the vines from strong winds but also provides a spectacular backdrop for one of Bandol's most legendary estates. The vines are tended according to organic principles; as of the 2019 vintage, the estate is officially certified. Harvesting is still done by hand, given the steep, terraced terrain. The wines are fermented on indigenous yeasts and aged exclusively in a combination of new and older French oak barrels and barriques.

 

THE GREAT VINTAGES OF CHÂTEAU DE PIBARNON

 

• Château de Pibarnon Bandol Red

Château de Pibarnon offers wines with power, finesse and elegance. These Bandol wines are largely made with Mourvèdre, the king of grape varieties. The vineyard covers some 50 hectares, and the wines are sold both in France and abroad. This geological particularity gives fine, tight tannins and complex, powerful bouquets, while maintaining elegance, balance and delicacy.

Bandol Rouge: grape varieties with 90 % MOURVEDRE + 10 % GRENACHE.
Alcohol content: 14
20+ years cellaring. The Bandol red wine from Château Pibarron is a wine that reigns in all its splendor and majesty.

 

• Château de Pibarnon Bandol Rosé

A prestigious vintage: Château de Pibarnon rosé is one of Bandol's finest rosés.
Grape varieties: 65% MOURVEDRE - 35% CINSAULT
Alcohol content: 13.5
Cellaring : 10 years
Tasting notes: Round and fleshy. Bandol Rosé Château de Pibarnon oscillates between power and delicacy to remain sensual; between fatness in the mouth for its fullness, and a certain vivacity for its freshness; between the complexity worthy of a great wine, and a youthful aromatic exuberance.
Wine and food pairing: Château de Pibarnon rosé goes well with fish, such as bass with cream sauce.

 

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