Clos Cibonne, Côtes de Provence Rosé 'Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes', 2024

Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes comes from the estate’s oldest vines, at least 60 years of age (though many are much older). Like the Cuvée Traditions, it’s 90% Tibouren, an obscure Provençal variety, and 10% Grenache, aged under fleurette (analogous to flor in Jerez or voile in the Jura) for about a year in ancient foudres. This process keeps oxidation in check and allows a complex structure and unique flavors to form. Biological aging adds to the already present savory flavors (thanks to proximity to the Mediterranean and its salty breezes), and rounds out acid levels.