Coteaux Varois en Provence

Production

Coteaux Varois en Provence is an appellation covering 3,000 hectares of vines in the Var département from where the region’s name comes from.

57% of the vineyards in the appellation are cultivated organically; they are planted in limestone soils at an average altitude of 350 metres, with the highest plots overlooking the valley at 500 metres. Several rocky hills and mountains protect the region from the strong maritime influence, making the area dryer than other regions in Provence. The climate is notoriously continental.

Coteaux Varois en Provence is the source of 136,000 hectolitres of wine per vintage. 93% of the wine produced in Coteaux Varois en Provence is rosé, followed by red wine with 4% and white wine with 3%, for a total of eighteen million bottles.

The relatively small appellation is home to 65 independent wineries and 11 co-operatives, keeping the maximum yield under 55hl per hectare to guarantee concentrated and flavourful wines. Coteaux Varois en Provence is well known for its mineral rosé, but white and red wines, although rare, are amongst the best in Southern France.

Historically, the region was the former summer home of the Counts of Provence, who overlooked the region from Brignoles at the heart of the appellation. Still, winemaking in the area goes back to the Ancient Greeks.

Grape Varieties

Producers in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP must make red and rosé wines with at least two grapes, and one of them must be a main varietal: Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre or Syrah.

Other allowed varieties, considered accessory grapes, include Cabernet-Sauvignon, Carignan and Tibouren. Red and rosé wines in the appellation are always blends and always dry.

Wineries must make white wines with at least 30% Vermentino, a maximum of 30% Semillon, 25% Ugni Blanc, and any proportion of Clairette and Grenache Blanc.

Although Mourvèdre is the most planted grape in Provence, Syrah and Grenache are often behind the most structured rosés. Cabernet often plays a role in the few red wines made under the appellation, but it is not considered a local grape. 

Local varietals well adapted to the white soils of Coteaux Varois, including Tibouren and Cinsault, are used sparingly, but they certainly contribute to the wines’ personality. Every winemaker in Provence has its own recipe for rosé, red and white wine, so no two bottles are the same.

Buy Coteaux Varois from Hourlier Wines

Coteaux Varois has one of the finest terroirs in Southern France, as it has unique calcareous soils at high altitudes — winemakers know it, and they preserve the land for present and future generations with organic and sustainable farming practices. Chateau La Calisse is one of the most reputable producers in the recent appellation, and we’re proud to offer their spectacular wine range.

Patricia Ortelli acquired the estate in 1990. They grow red and white wines in just under ten hectares of vines, including 5.75 hectares dedicated to Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate’s rosé combines Syrah and Grenache Noir for a pale wine made with the “bleeding method” and fermented in low-temperature stainless-steel vats. Expect blackberries and rosemary over a medium-bodied palate with persistent acidity and hints of minerality.

FAQ

Where does Coteaux Varois en Provence wine originate?

Coteaux Varois en Provence is an appellation at the heart of Provence, in the Var department — it covers the central part of Provence. The area is known for its calcareous soils and high-altitude vineyards protected from the maritime influence by mountains and hills.

What does Coteaux Varois wine taste like?

Coteaux Varois is mostly rosé, but red and white examples exist. The region’s rosé is medium-bodied and tart, with red fruit aromas and hints of flowers and dried herbs, often with hints of minerality. The red wines can be bold and structured while retaining balancing acidity. Finally, white wines made in the area are crisp and easy to drink — they’re uniquely Mediterranean, with fresh fruit, citrus and minerality on the nose and palate.

Which food groups pair well with Coteaux Varois wine?

Coteaux Varois en Provence rosé is a fantastic stand-alone wine served cold as an apéritif. The wine will also pair well with canapes and finger food, including one-biters made with pâté and foie gras, and fried finger food. Rosé is also a good partner for seafood and shellfish, especially if cooked with olive oil. The region’s red wines are ideal for grilled red meat, fatty pork cuts and roasted poultry.