AOC Côtes de Provence

History of the AOC Côtes-de-Provence

The vineyards of the AOC Côtes de Provence are steeped in a rich viticultural history that spans over 2,600 years. The Phoceans, Greek navigators, introduced the vine to the region as early as the 6th century BCE. Today, the Côtes de Provence appellation is renowned for its wines that reflect the unique and sunny terroir of the region.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Côtes-de-Provence

• Climate: The AOC Côtes de Provence vineyard benefits from a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate, ideal for vine cultivation. Maritime influences and regional winds contribute to the balance and harmonious maturity of the grapes.
• Soils: The vines are planted on varied soils, including clay, schist, pebbles, and sand, reflecting the geological diversity of the region.

Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Côtes-de-Provence

The AOC Côtes-de-Provence boasts a wide variety of grape varieties, with the main ones being:

• Red and Rosé Wines: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Tibouren
• White Wines: Rolle (Vermentino), Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Sémillon

Style of AOC Côtes-de-Provence Wines

White Wines: These wines have a pale yellow color with green highlights. The nose reveals both fruity (citrus) and floral (acacia, fennel) aromas, highlighted by a beautiful mineral tension on the palate.

Rosé Wines: With a pale pink color, clear and bright, the aromatic palette of AOC Côtes-de-Provence rosés is very complex with notes of red fruits, flowers (linden, thyme, broom), mint, and resin. These rosés are of great finesse!

Red Wines: These wines have a deep purple color with violet reflections. The nose expresses complex aromas of red and black fruits, tobacco, rosemary, laurel, and undergrowth as they age. On the palate, these red wines are powerful and demonstrate their ability to age.

Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Côtes-de-Provence Wines

Here are some dish ideas to accompany a beautiful bottle from a château or domaine in AOC Côtes-de-Provence in white, rosé, and red:

• White Wine: Anchoïade, Grilled Dorade, Mussels Marinière
• Rosé Wine: Cod with Aïoli, Grilled Prawns, Ratatouille
• Red Wine: Barbecued Ribeye Steak, Lamb Tagine

Côtes de Provence Wine: Your Questions Answered

What color is Côtes de Provence rosé?

Côtes de Provence rosé is pale pink, the color described in the appellation’s official rules. Shades shift by area: the rules describe Fréjus rosés as pale salmon pink and La Londe rosés as pale to deeper pink with hints of fuchsia. Rosé makes up about 90% of production, according to the Provence wine council (CIVP).

What is Tibouren in Côtes de Provence wine?

Tibouren is one of the five principal grapes of Côtes de Provence red and rosé, alongside Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The appellation rules say it brings richness and roundness, like Grenache. The Provence wine council (CIVP) says the Var is the only part of France where it grows. Our guide to Provence rosé wine covers the other grapes.

What does Sainte-Victoire mean on a Côtes de Provence label?

Sainte-Victoire on a Côtes de Provence label names one of five areas that may add their name to the appellation, under stricter rules. The others are Fréjus, La Londe, Pierrefeu and Notre-Dame des Anges. Sainte-Victoire covers nine villages in the upper Arc valley, where the climate turns more continental, and applies to red and rosé only.

How should you serve Côtes de Provence red wine?

Serve Côtes de Provence red at 59 to 61 °F (15 to 16 °C), the range for most reds, and nearer 59 °F for a young one. The appellation rules describe two red styles: fruity reds from short macerations, made to drink young, and long-aging reds with powerful, silky tannins. Our serving temperature guide covers rosé and white too.

Where can you buy Côtes de Provence wine direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Côtes de Provence wine direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each order is prepared and sent by the producer, not from a warehouse.

See also: Our rosés from Provence - AOC Bandol - AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence