Vin de Pétanque 2024 Mas de Libian | Rhône

Mas de Libian 's Vin de Pétanque is the wine estate's summer cuvée par excellence, an invitation to share and enjoy. Located in the heart of theArdèche, the family-run Mas de Libian wine estate extends over 25 hectares of clay-limestone soils dotted with slate and pebbles, bathed in southern Rhône sunshine. This cuvée is made from the estate's young vines, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Vaccarèse , all less than 25 years old. Hélène Thibon, the thirteenth generation to run Mas de Libian, has been cultivating her plots using certified biodynamic methods since 2005, in the spirit of a truly preserved ecosystem (beehives in the plots, equine traction...). The wine is vinified naturally in concrete or stainless steel vats, without the use of additives, then aged for a few months before being bottled by gravity, to preserve the simple charm of the grapes from the estate's young vines.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Vin de Pétanque embodies the free and casual spirit of Mas de Libian: a convivial, light wine, with no concessions on pleasure. It stands out in theArdèche wine scene for its fruity purity and immediate suppleness. This is a cuvée to be enjoyed immediately, over two to three years, perfect for aperitifs and summer get-togethers. I remember a luncheon in the open field where this wine, served chilled, triggered an outburst of laughter, as if its name gave it a contagious charm.

On the nose, this Vin de Pétanque reveals intense aromas of juicy black fruits such as blackberry and blueberry, interwoven with delicate notes of licorice and sweet spices. The whole is greedy, immediate and full of aromatic freshness, characteristic of the Mas de Libian style.

On the palate, the texture is crisp and the lively acidity brings lightness and suppleness. Fine, velvety tannins support a dense fruity center dominated by dark berries, joined by a tangy hint of redcurrant. A subtle saline touch and a hint of pepper on the finish add relief and prolong the sensation of freshness. The finish is digestible and energetic, inviting you to drink a glass more - true to the Vin de Pétanque concept.