In the glass
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.
- 2005 — First Cuvee Caroline Tibouren Rouge bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Clos Cibonne
- 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.