Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninmedium
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Best 4 to 15 years from vintage.
vintage4 yrs15 yrs17 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: wild raspberry, dried herb, almond, blood orange

Palate: red currant, savoury herb, iron, saline

Tibouren-led Cotes de Provence red, aged in old foudres under velum. Light-coloured and Pinot-like in feel, with wild-herb savoury depth and a saline lift unique in Provencal red.

What it pairs with

  • Pieds et paquets marseillais
    Caroline's savoury wild-herb register matches Marseille tripe-and-trotter offal classic; the wine's structure carries the long braise.
  • Duck breast with figs
    The wine's red-currant and blood-orange register align with duck and sweet fig.
  • Aged Tomme de Provence
    Sheep's-milk salt aligns with Tibouren's savoury herb depth; the wine's saline finish balances the cheese.
  • Wild mushroom risotto
    Earthy mushroom and savoury wine align on the forest-floor register; body handles cream-bound rice.

History

Cuvee Caroline is the rare Provencal Tibouren red, aged in old foudres under the same velum technique as the rose lineup. The cuvee was launched in 2005 to give Tibouren a structured red expression. Named after Caroline Roux, daughter of the late Andre Roux.

  1. 2005: First Cuvee Caroline Tibouren Rouge bottled

Facts

Producer
Clos Cibonne · visiting guide
Grapes
Tibouren (90%), Syrah
Classification
AOC Cotes de Provence
Oak
12 to 18 months in old oak foudres under a velum (oxidative)
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 30 to 45 at retail
Drinking window
4-15 from vintage
First vintage
2005
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Clos Cibonne Cuvee Caroline Tibouren Rouge

What does Cibonne Cuvee Caroline taste like?

Wild raspberry, dried herb, almond and blood orange on the nose; red currant, savoury herb, iron and saline on the palate. Medium-bodied with medium tannins, high acidity and a long savoury finish.

When should I drink Cibonne Cuvee Caroline?

Drink between 4 and 15 years from vintage. The foudre aging gives the cuvee long-haul potential; bottles often peak between year 6 and 10.

Is Cibonne Cuvee Caroline vegan?

Yes. The estate does not use animal-derived fining agents.

What food pairs with Cibonne Cuvee Caroline?

Pieds et paquets marseillais is the canonical pairing. Duck breast with figs, aged Tomme de Provence and wild mushroom risotto are equally strong matches.

What grapes are in Cuvee Caroline?

Around 90 percent Tibouren, the native Provencal grape, with a small share of Syrah. The Tibouren focus is rare among Provencal reds; most appellations limit it to small percentages.

Tags

dry hidden gem high acid medium body medium tannin medium term mood contemplative mood funky mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old vines old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pairs with red meat price premium single vineyard still red syrah tibouren vegan

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