The story of Clos Cibonne intertwines with the rich tapestry of coastal Provence and embodies a family’s unwavering commitment to their winemaking heritage. Founded by Jean-Baptiste de Cibon in the late 18th century, the estate’s history reflects both its cultural lineage and a unique approach to wine production, particularly with the underappreciated Tibouren grape, Provence’s only indigenous variety.
After the French Revolution, the estate faced significant changes when it was taken from its elite owners and divided into smaller parcels. Among these, a portion was sold to the Roux family, who would play a critical role in shaping Clos Cibonne’s future. As the 19th century progressed and Provence’s economy blossomed with the rise of railroads and tourism, the Roux family planted citrus and vineyards, adapting to changing markets. Uniquely, they decided to replant Tibouren—a grape that had fallen out of favor due to its susceptibility to disease—instead of succumbing to the pressure to adopt more commercially viable varieties.
In the 1930s under Marius Roux’s stewardship, wine production was expanded, transitioning from bulk sales to bottling. Marius’s son, André, renamed the estate to Clos Cibonne and lobbied for its recognition as a cru classé wine, ensuring the estate’s compliance with strict aging requirements. This legacy was preserved through André’s daughter Jacqueline and her husband, Emile Mourchou, who revitalized the estate and continued the focus on Tibouren, despite evolving trends in the Provence market.
Today, Clos Cibonne is a celebrated family-run domaine, known for its distinctive wines that defy prevailing rosé conventions. The current generation, led by Claude Desforges and influenced by their son Olivier, emphasizes the uniqueness of their wines, which retain the traditional dark glass bottles often eschewed by other producers for modern, lighter variants. They strive for excellence without compromising their heritage, producing wines that exhibit strong aging potential and distinctive flavor profiles.
Clos Cibonne exemplifies resilience and dedication to tradition in winemaking. Its continued cultivation of the rare Tibouren variety allows it to stand apart from the predominantly pale rosé culture in Provence, ensuring that even in a highly competitive market, its wines remain authentic, idiosyncratic, and celebrated.