Côtes de Provence

The Côtes de Provence appellation was created in 1895. As early as 1951, a commission of experts undertook the delimitation of the terroir, and in July 1955, a ministerial decree approved the classification of certain crus of the Côtes de Provence appellation. A.O.C. since 1977 (Côtes de Provence was only a V.D.Q.S. at the time), Côtes de Provence accounts for nearly 80% of Provence's total vineyard area, i.e. 20,500 hectares, with an annual production of 130 million bottles.

The Côtes de Provence appellation covers more than 20,000 hectares in 3 départements: Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and an enclave in Alpes Maritimes. The appellation stretches from the siliceous Maures massif to the limestone hills and plateaus of the Alps, via the red sandstone of the Toulon region. Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan, Tibouren, Syrah, Ugni and Sémillon make up the composition of warm, yet very heterogeneous wines. The majority of Côtes de Provence rosés can be soft or lively. Alongside the cheerful reds are more elaborate, full-bodied and robust reds. The lively whites of the coastal regions stand in stark contrast to the dry, fruity whites of the northern vineyards.

Much to the chagrin of Bordeaux owners, 18 Côtes de Provence estates have now been awarded Cru Classé status, including Domaine Sainte Roseline, Clos Mireille and Château de Brégançon, to name but a few. Other estates, such as Château Minuty, Domaine Ott, Château Sainte Marguerite, Château Barbanau, Château Roubine and Domaine de Saint Ser, reflect the quality of the terroir. Today, with its winegrowing tradition, human know-how, grape varieties, terroir and climate, the Côtes de Provence appellation is a sure bet and a guarantee of quality for the 21st century.