Delivery from €16,90 per winemaker in Europe (excluding the United Kingdom)
Rosé wines from the Var
Discover the rosés of IGP Var, an appellation offering fresh and fruity rosés, perfect for summer meals. Learn to appreciate the diversity of its grape varieties and the aromas that make these wines renowned in the South of France. These rosé wines from the Var share the Mediterranean terroir of Côtes de Provence and of Provence wines as a whole, and reach you direct from the grower's cellar.
Filtrer
Var Rosé: Style, Serving and Food Pairings
The History of Rosé in the Var
Var rosé is produced under IGP Var, an appellation located in the Var, Provence, renowned for its delicate and fruity rosé wines. The history of this appellation is closely tied to that of Provence, the birthplace of rosé wines and winemaking in France. This IGP was created to highlight wines that, while not meeting the strict criteria of some AOCs, still offer exceptional quality and faithfully reflect the terroir of the Var.
Climate and Terroir: Why the Var Makes Great Rosé
- Climate: The Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, is ideal for producing rosé wines.
- Soils: The soils of IGP Var are primarily composed of limestone, schist, and clay, offering a variety of styles and nuances to the wines produced in this region.
The Grape Varieties of Var Rosé
The main grape varieties used for the production of Var rosé are Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and sometimes Tibouren. These grape varieties, typical of the region, bring fruity and floral aromas to the wine, which can rival the best rosés from Provence.
The Style of Var Rosé: Appearance, Nose, Palate
- Appearance: The rosés of IGP Var have a pale pink colour, sometimes with salmon hues.
- Nose: Expressive, marked by aromas of small red fruits (strawberries, raspberries) and delicate floral notes (white flowers). You can also detect hints of citrus, such as grapefruit or blood orange.
- Palate: Fresh and light, with a nice acidity that balances the fruity flavours. You’ll find notes of peach, redcurrant, and sometimes a slight mineral touch in the finish, offering a refreshing sensation.
- Serving temperature: Serve Var rosé well chilled, between 8 and 10 °C (46–50 °F).
- Ageing potential: 2 to 3 years.
The Best Food Pairings with a Var Rosé
Here are some dishes that pair perfectly with a bottle of Provence rosé from an estate or château in IGP Var:
- Provençal aïoli
- Tapenade
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Chicken skewers on the barbecue
- Melon with Parma ham
Frequently Asked Questions about Var Rosé
Which grape varieties go into Var rosé?
Mainly Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, sometimes joined by Tibouren, a grape specific to Provence. Together they give Var rosé its fruity, floral character.
What is the difference between IGP Var and AOC Côtes de Provence?
They are two separate appellations covering the same area. IGP Var was created to highlight wines that do not meet the strict criteria of some AOCs while still offering real quality and a faithful reflection of the Var terroir. A rosé under IGP Var is therefore not a Côtes de Provence, even though it shares the same climate and grapes.
At what temperature should Var rosé be served?
Between 8 and 10 °C (46–50 °F). Well chilled, it shows its freshness and acidity; too warm, it loses its thirst-quenching character.
How long can you keep a Var rosé?
2 to 3 years. This is a wine made for freshness, drink it young, while the red-berry fruit and floral notes are at their best.
What food goes with Var rosé?
Southern French cooking is the natural match: Provençal aïoli, tapenade, stir-fried vegetables, chicken skewers on the barbecue or melon with Parma ham.
Is Var rosé a Provence rosé?
Geographically yes: the Var is a department of Provence, the birthplace of French rosé. But “Provence rosé” is not a single appellation, Var rosé comes under IGP Var, which is distinct from AOC Côtes de Provence.