Mas de Libian

Wines from Mas de Libian: buy at the best price

Mas de Libian is one of the most iconic and endearing wine estates in southern Ardèche. Located on the right bank of the Rhône, in Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, at the very end of the Ardèche gorges, this estate has belonged to the Thibon family since 1670. It was only from 1970 onwards that wine became the main activity, driven by Jean-Pierre Thibon, who built the cellar and initiated the estate's viticultural vocation. In 1995, his daughter Hélène and her husband Alain Macagno joined the estate, followed by Catherine in 2006, then Aurélien (son of Hélène and Alain) in 2015. "The generation in charge, largely dominated by women", passionately perpetuates a biological tradition born de facto since the father "worked the soils naturally." The Demeter biodynamic certification was obtained in 2005 across all 25 hectares of the vineyard, complemented by 8 hectares of nourishing land (olive trees, cereals, hay, garden, bees). The vines have never been exposed to chemical products. 

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Mas de Libian Côtes du Rhône La Calade 2020
Last one !
1 in stock
95220
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
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Rhône | Côtes du Rhône

Mas de Libian Côtes du Rhône La Calade 2020

€26.40 inc-VAT per bottle
€22.00 ex-VAT

History of Mas de Libian

The Thibon family has been established on the site of Mas de Libian since 1670, initially practising mixed farming like most rural estates of the time. The estate has undergone many transformations over the centuries, but has always retained its peasant soul and its deep connection with the land. It was Jean-Pierre Thibon who, from 1970 onwards, made the decisive shift towards winegrowing by building the private cellar and directing the estate towards viticulture. A man of the terroir above all, Jean-Pierre worked the soils naturally from the outset, never resorting to pesticides or chemical herbicides. This early choice, born of conviction rather than fashion, would be the most precious legacy he would pass on to his children.

In 1995, his eldest daughter Hélène Thibon and her husband Alain Macagno officially joined the estate. In 2005, the entire vineyard was certified biodynamic (Demeter), making it one of the first properties in the region to obtain this certification. In 2006, Catherine, the second daughter, joined in turn, and acquired Nestor, a Comtois horse for ploughing the soils. A second horse, Bambi, would join him in 2016. In 2015, Aurélien, son of Hélène and Alain, made his contribution, ensuring the transmission to the next generation. The estate now extends over 25 hectares of vines and 8 hectares of food-producing land, forming a coherent and living agro-ecological whole.

Terroirs and Vines of Mas de Libian

The Mas de Libian vineyard is planted on the ancient alluvial terraces of the Rhône at Saint-Marcel-d'Ardèche, at the southern tip of the Ardèche département. These terraces offer a sweeping panorama over the Rhône valley, with the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux in the line of sight. The vines, south and south-east facing, are planted in warm soils composed of a thick layer of rounded pebbles similar to those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to a depth of one metre, over a clay-limestone subsoil. This geological composition explains the dual identity of the wines: the warmth and generosity of the southern Rhône, but also a mineral freshness and tension that sometimes recalls the northern Rhône.

Of the 25 hectares in total, 18 hectares are devoted to red grape varieties: Grenache noir (dominant), Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a few rows of Counoise and Vaccarèse. The remaining 2 hectares are planted with white varieties: Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier in equal proportion. The average age of the vines is 30 years. Biodynamics is practised in all its rigour: preparations based on plants and minerals, respect for lunar cycles, strictly limited treatments with copper and sulphur. All rows are ploughed by horse (Nestor and Bambi, both Comtois), allowing soil aeration without compaction.

Winemaking at Mas de Libian

In the cellar, each cuvée has its "little production secrets," but all share the same credo: indigenous yeasts, no oenological additives, no filtration, with a homeopathic dose of sulphur added only at bottling. Red grapes are destemmed or not depending on the variety, the plot and the vintage. Blending in tank before or after fermentation depending on the cuvée. Pigeage adapted to each situation. Incorporation of press wine with free-run wine. Ageing varies according to the profiles: short in tanks for the Vin de Pétanque cuvée (thirst-quenching), in tanks and large oak casks for the intermediate cuvées, in large oak casks and/or demi-muids for the keeping cuvées, and in stoneware or porcelain jars for the most ambitious cuvées. For the whites, vinification follows the same philosophy, with early bottling to preserve the aromatics. Bottling without filtration.

The cuvées of Mas de Libian

Vin de Pétanque (Vin de France Rouge): An immediately pleasurable, thirst-quenching cuvée, "more than an introduction to the range, with an instant indulgence." A blend of Grenache, Syrah and other estate grape varieties, aged in concrete tanks. Fruity, light, easy-drinking and immediately accessible. Aromas of crunchy small red fruits, with a supple and fresh palate. The red to enjoy on any occasion, to share with friends over a game of pétanque, of course.

Côtes du Rhône Bout d'Zan: An entry-level red cuvée in the Côtes du Rhône appellation, "offering greater depth with dark, spicy flavours that justify its name" (bout'zan is a Provençal anise candy, popular in the south of France). A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from the Rhône river pebble terraces. Aged in tanks and large oak casks. Of great aromatic richness, with suppleness throughout, featuring aromas of garrigue and a finish that plays on notes of blood orange. A gastronomic Côtes du Rhône, both indulgent and complex.

Côtes du Rhône Khayyâm: The estate's flagship red cuvée, named in homage to Omar Khayyâm, the 11th-century Persian poet whose writings extolled wine. "More powerful, concentrated and with fine ageing potential." A blend of Grenache (dominant), Syrah and Mourvèdre from the finest plots of rounded pebbles. Aged in large oak casks and demi-muids. A red wine of great depth and fine complexity: dark fruits and spices, notes of garrigue and stony minerality, a fleshy and structured palate, with fine and persistent tannins. A wine to keep for 8 to 12 years in great vintages.

Côtes du Rhône Les Calades (Red): A red cuvée from a plot selection on the finest pebble terraces (the "calades" is the Provençal term for paved or stony surfaces) of the estate. Made almost exclusively from Mourvèdre, "with wild flavours and sturdy tannins." Extended ageing in large oak casks or jars. An austere and mineral red wine in its youth, which gradually opens up to reveal a depth and complexity unique in the region, with notes of violet, spices and leather. A wine with very great ageing potential.

Cave Vinum (Vin de France Rouge): A confidential red cuvée, a special selection of the estate's finest tanks in great vintages. The most accomplished and most complex expression of the pebble terroir of Mas de Libian. Aged in stoneware or porcelain jars for certain vintages. A rare wine sought after by enthusiasts.

Buvez'en (Vin de France): A light, thirst-quenching red cuvée in the style of a friend's wine — accessible, fruity and easy-drinking. Aromas of fresh red fruits, a supple palate with no rough edges. To be enjoyed without overthinking it, as the name suggests.

Cuvée des Mûres (White): The estate's only white cuvée, from a blend of Clairette, Roussanne and Viognier from the 2 hectares of white varieties on the estate. Early bottling to preserve the aromatics. A complex and elegant white wine, marked by notes of citrus and white flowers. Fresh, aromatic and mineral on the palate. To be enjoyed with shellfish or exotic dishes. A rare gastronomic white from the Ardèche pebble terroirs.

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