The Thibon family bought Libian in 1670. A third-generation of the current owners Jean-Pierre Thibon and his wife Jacqueline have 3 daughters Hélène, Catherine, and Cécile. Jean-Pierre decided that the main activity at Libian would be wine: he built a cellar in 1970. The vines were, from the beginning, under organic agriculture: they plowed the soils, hoed by hand in the spring. A continuation of this philosophy and an important milestone for the domaine was being certified biodynamic in 2005.
Presentation
Presentation
Hélène takes little credit for her farms’ organic management, which she says has been practiced here for generations. No chemicals are used and even in generous vintages very low yields are the norm. As the Mas de Libian biotope has come to offer an incredibly healthy environment for grape growing, Hélène has little recourse for sulphur, which is often not used at all during the winemaking process.
Terroir
Mosaic of terroirs: clay-limestone, rolled pebbles, sand. Mediterranean climate, dry, hot summers, low rainfall, very windy.
In the vineyard
Biodynamic cultivation, DEMETER certification.
Yield: 45 Hl/Ha.
Training method: Gobelet on Grenache with elimination of early shoots.
Harvested entirely by hand, with strict sorting in the vineyard.
Yield: 45 Hl/Ha.
Training method: Gobelet on Grenache with elimination of early shoots.
Harvested entirely by hand, with strict sorting in the vineyard.
Winemaking
Respectful, direct pressing, 16/18°C fermentation.
Varietals
Grenache noir : 34%
Counoise : 33%
Mouvèdre : 33%
Counoise : 33%
Mouvèdre : 33%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5 % vol.
GM : No.
Contains sulphites. Does not contain egg or egg products. Does not contain milk or milk-based products.
Advice
Serving
16°C / 61°F
Ageing potential
5 years
Tasting
This easy, soft, fruity wine is supposedly designed for casual sipping during careful throwing. It seems stuffed full of ripe, supple fruit – even though from young vines. This nearly-southern-Rhône-but-on-the-right-bank-of the-river Grenache is stiffened with about 1/3 Mourvèdre.
Food pairings
Aperitifs, tomatoes, salads, pizza, grilled meats.
