Tibouren Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Tibouren is a rare, aromatic red grape of Provence, cherished for some of the region's most distinctive and age-worthy rosés and for light, savory reds full of Mediterranean character.
Learn more about Tibouren
History & origins
Tradition holds that Tibouren was brought to the Var coast in the late 18th century by a sea captain named Antiboul, which may explain its name. Its earlier roots likely lie in the eastern Mediterranean, and DNA links it to Rossese di Dolceacqua in nearby Liguria. Difficult to grow and irregular in yield, it nearly disappeared, but Clos Cibonne near Toulon kept it alive and made it famous.
French regions & appellations
Côtes de Provence AOC (notably around Toulon and the Massif des Maures), plus small plantings in Bandol and IGP Méditerranée.
Taste profile
Pale and delicate yet complex, with wild strawberry, red currant, orange peel, garrigue herbs, a smoky, earthy note and a long saline finish.
Food pairing
Bouillabaisse, grilled sardines, tapenade, socca, aioli, stuffed Provençal vegetables, lamb with herbs and soft goat cheeses.
Where Tibouren grows in France
Wine regions: Provence
Appellations: Côtes de Provence