History Côtes de Provence boasts an illustrious heritage, mirroring the evolution of viticulture in the Provence region. Recognized as a VDQS in 1951, the appellation has expanded from its original 42 communes to encompass 84 today. In 1977, its viticultural significance was solidified with the granting of the AOC status. Through the years, the Côtes de Provence ambitiously introduced sub-appellations, such as those in Fréjus, Sainte-Victoire, La Londe, and Pierrefeu, reflecting the region’s dedication to its vino identity.
Location Situated in the southeastern part of France, Côtes de Provence primarily covers the Var department’s viticulture, stretching from the sub-alpine hills of Seillans to the coastal vines near the iconic Golfe de Saint-Tropez and the Baie de la Ciotat. Encircled by challenging terrains like the Massif des Maures and Massif de la Sainte-Baume, certain expanses remain untouched by the resilient grape vines.
Soil Profile and Climate The region’s diverse terroir, ranging from cooler sub-alpine hills to balmy coastal vineyards, caters to a variety of grapes. The diverse altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean sea grant the vineyards a temperate maritime climate, complemented by the varied soil profiles of each zone. This juxtaposition between terrain and climate paves the way for distinct wine characteristics that the Côtes de Provence proudly offers.
Grape Varieties While rosé dominates with roughly 80% of the production, using grapes like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, and the regional favorite, Tibouren, red wines are gradually carving their niche. Accounting for about 15% of the output, these reds predominantly use Rhône varieties and the 1960-introduced Cabernet Sauvignon. The limited yet prized white wines, making up about 5% of the production, majorly employ the Rolle (Vermentino) variety.
Wine Profile The wines of Côtes de Provence sing tales of the region’s diverse landscapes. The rosés are fresh and aromatic, tinged with flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean herbs. Reds are robust and nuanced, reflecting the terroir’s depth, while the whites offer a crisp, fruity palate, making each sip a journey through the landscapes of Provence.
