Château de Pibarnon White 2024
Dominating the Mediterranean from its terraced slopes reaching 300 meters, Château de Pibarnon is one of Bandol's leading estates. The vineyard forms a vast natural amphitheater open to sea breezes, with north-facing plots that promote slow ripening and the production of remarkably fresh white wines. Beneath the vines lie rare blue marls of the Santonian age, a geological bedrock that imparts a precise salinity and a singular length to the wines.
The 2024 Blanc is the most crystalline interpretation of this maritime landscape. Direct pressing, cold settling, and slow fermentation in tanks result in a deliberately understated winemaking process. Aging continues in enamelled tanks to preserve the fruit's vibrancy, aromatic purity, and saline energy that characterize the cuvée. The desired style is clean, precise, and luminous, with delicate bitterness that structures the finish.
The nose opens with white blossom, ripe lemon, and fresh pear, joined by hints of hawthorn, raw almond, and a sensation of damp stone inherited from the blue marl soils. The palate combines tension and grace. The attack is crisp, then unfolds into a heart of citrus and white fruit carried by a briny minerality. The texture remains ethereal, stretched by a tonic salinity and elegant bitterness. The finish is long, clean, and flavorful, with a touch of zest and chalk that prolongs the freshness.
At the table, this white Bandol excels with oysters, sea bream ceviche with citrus, sole meunière, or pike-perch with beurre blanc sauce. It pairs perfectly with roasted poultry with lemon, asparagus risotto, and hard cheeses such as a mature Comté, whose sweetness balances its acidity. For serving, opt for a tulip glass at 10 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Grape varieties: 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc, 15% various local grape varieties
