Clos de l'Ours - Côtes de Provence L'Agachon rouge 2021

The 13-hectare vineyard, certified organic since 2000, is situated on a well-drained clay-limestone terroir, bordered by a circle of pine and oak trees. Its proximity to Cotignac gives this terroir a cooler climate with greater daily temperature variations than on the coast. Composed primarily of vines ranging from 40 to 70 years old—a rarity in this region, which is largely dominated by rosé production—the vineyard features the classic grape varieties of Provence.

Cinsault and Carignan, planted together on a single 60-year-old vineyard plot, are vinified together to create the Agachon cuvée. After three weeks of maceration with native yeasts, it offers a light structure with lively tannins—characteristic of the vintage—as well as lovely, bright fruit.

Fabienne and Michel Brotons left their life in Marseille and invested all their savings to become winemakers at this charming estate in Cotignac in the Haut-Var. It was such an exciting venture that their children—who had been planning to pursue careers in business—joined them in this adventure. Fabien now focuses on the vineyard and winemaking, while Émilie handles sales. Their arrival has been a breath of fresh air for the Côtes de Provence, as the family is committed to expressing the authentic character of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle, Clairette, and Ugni—far removed from the modern oenological trends that have shaped the region’s reputation. Their deep understanding of their vineyard—achieved in part through the transition to organic and then biodynamic farming—has led the Brotons to produce increasingly authentic wines that they will continue to refine in the years to come.