Vin de Petanque - it does what it says on the boule

2009 Vin de Petanque, Mas de Libian
Mas de Libian, a working farm (cereals, fruits and vines) since 1670, has remained in the hands of famille Thibon for its entire history. Hélène a remarkably energetic member of the family took over the viticulture and winemaking in 1995, and convinced her family to bottle their own wine rather than sell to local négociants. Her farming is entirely biodynamic since the 1960’s when her grandfather ran the farm, and the vines (averaging 40-45 years-old) are pruned for low yields and concentration. Nestor, a Comtois workhorse, joined the team for her ploughing prowess. The terraced vineyards, composed mostly of galets rouges, in St-Marcel d’Ardèche (the west bank of the Rhone) provide stunning views of Mont Ventoux, the Alpilles, and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Hélène is in her late 20s and in June this year she was selected by the French Wine Review as one of its Young Winemakers of the Year. She makes her wines in a traditional fashion following organic principles, and the vineyards have ‘pudding-stone’ soil like that found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The stones reflect sunlight during the day and retain heat during the cold nights, thus making the vines work harder to extract water and minerals from the soil.

One should drink Vin de Petanque (a 75/25 Grenache/Syrah blend) chilled while playing petanque (or crown boules) – preferably. The vines are grown on clay-limestone with lauzes (flat stones) and some rolled pebbles. Grapes undergo strict manual selection, are destemmed, lightly crushed and given a five day maceration. Dark ruby colour, aromas of blackberry, myrtle and gentle spices. The palate is warm and digestible with black cherry soda flavours and dark olive notes that recall its Rhone origins. Slap the tapenade on the lamb cutlets and get the barbie fired up.