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
A term of endearment intended for my father in his early childhood to express his short stature and tanned complexion! Today, to evoke the liquorice side of this wine. The "a" in Zan disappeared following an attack by Haribo...
Terroir
Mosaic of terroirs: clay-limestone, rolled pebbles, sand. Mediterranean climate, dry, hot summers, low rainfall, very windy.
In the vineyard
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.
Winemaking
Respectful, blending of grape varieties in the vat. 100% de-stemming. Light crushing. Temperature-controlled fermentation. Maceration for 12 days, run-off by gravity. Pneumatic pressing.
Ageing
Aged for 9 months in foudres for 1/3 of the wine.
Varietals
Grenache noir : 80%
Syrah : 20%
Syrah : 20%
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
Bout d'Zan is very ripe and supple, with an almost creamy texture. Elegant yet easy drinking, this spectacular value wine offers sumptuous black-cherry and plum flavors accented by earth, licorice and coffee notes. It's a luscious wine with a warmly spiced finish and soft, feathery tannins.
Food pairings
Lamb tajine, grilled meat and vegetables with southern flavours. In short, he loves colourful cuisine.
