Chateau de Pibarnon (Bandol)

We didnt plan to visit the Chateau de Pibarnon . We just wanted to see the terraced vineyards that we had a glimpse of at the Maison des Vins de Bandol on a pic shot by Pascal Perier . So we took the winding and narrow roads accross the Bandol and La Cadiere hills . Very scenic , slow drive as 2 vehicules hardly pass . Steep terrain . This is a difficult road , partly poorly paved road , partly dirt road and we did it , the road stopped right at Pibarnon, with the semi-circular vineyards amphitheater visible on the next hill on the right . Once there we looked at the terraced vineyards in a cooling breeze that made this hot august day very bearable . I wondered if this breeze from the mediterranean sea has a role in the special Bandol wines . After resting a while looking at the view , we decided that after such a painful journey we deserved a visit and announced ourselves ... A young man named Clement Bellande opened the door and made a presentation of the Chateau and its wines . He is working presently at Pibarnon but has already a good wine experience , plus wine related studies , and plans one day to make wine himself in the Cotes du Ventoux region . Remember his name . The Domaine was created in 1974 . The Chateau itself is exposed southward . The terraced vineyards on an amphitheater on the other side of the valley are mostly northward . On clay-limestone soil . Brings a slow maturation . Harvest can begin mid-october with such an orientation . The Chateau has about 50 hectares . 27 years ago it was only about 3 hectares . The "amphitheater" holds about 10 to 12 hectares .

This is the Pibarnon amphitheater ; sea far away...Our host now proposes to taste wines : __1__Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol rose 2002 . 50% Cinsault 50% Mourvedre . Direct pressing . Low temp fermentation for the Cinsault . For the Mourvedre : 3 hours pellicular maceration . Very spicy . 16 Euro . __2__Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol red 2001 . 90% Mourvedre 10% Grenache noir . 14° . 24 Euro . Same we tasted at the Bandol Maison des Vins. Typical of long laying down Bandol wines .Tight tannins . Exceptional year . __3__Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol red 2000 . Very different millesime . This year was a rainy year . The wine shows already a nice evolution . __4__Last we taste a "Marc de Bandol" 1988 . This is an "AOC eau de vie de Provence" , with 45° in alcohol . 3 Domaines in the Bandol area share a legal right to distillate , called here "droit de bouilleur de cru" What is important when you have an alambic and the distillation rights to go with it , is that you know what you put in there : Here , the Pibarnon Mourvedre . Very long mouth . Aromatic . Stays about 12 years in casks (new 1/2 Muids) . 45 Euro . Chateau de Pibarnon83740 La cadière d'Azurphone : +33 4 94 90 12 73contact@pibarnon.fr pibarnon.com

Comments

[Michael and Hope Starr]

In September 2005, we visited Chateau de Pibarnon. Unfortunatley it was on our very last day in Bandol, when we stumbled upon it and regretfully only had enough time for a quick history lesson & purchase of 6 bottles (limited per plane trip home to San Diego).
It is the most beautiful chateau with the most gracious host. We hope to return one day in the near future.
The vintage we purchased, "2001" rouge has been enjoyed throughout the year with family & friends & we plan to open our last bottle this New Year's eve. I can not think of a better way to kick off the year 2007!

[Eva Bjørvik]

WE will try to find this chateau during our stay in 2010. We bought an appartment in Bandol three years ago, and are trying to get to know about Bandol and the surroundings wineproductions. We are Norwegians and love our place in Bandol and the areas around.