Côte de Provence: all you need to know about AOC

France is known for its lush vineyards and rich wine history. Some of the best wine brands come from this country. That's why it's essential to do a wine tasting when you visit France.

A key region you may be wondering about is surely PDO Cotes de Provence. If you're looking to learn more about this destination, your search can end right now. See below for everything you need to know about touring the Cotes de Provence.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE GEOLOGY OF THE COASTS OF PROVENCE

The Côtes de Provence is a large appellation covering an area of 22,000 ha. It also contains three departments: VAR, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes maritimes. This wine region also includes 84 communes and various beautiful landscapes.

A key feature of this region's geology is that it comprises two distinct zones.

The area to the north and west is limestone, while the area to the south and east is crystalline. In addition, the subsoil here is ideal for wine-making.

THE PRODUCTION AREA OF THE CÔTES DE PROVENCE

One of the main things to understand is that there are different types of Côte de Provence in France. In fact, there are eight different production zones in the wine-growing region.

Each region is different in terms of its geology and climate. That's why they produce different wines.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES OF THE CÔTES DE PROVENCE

Here are the main grape varieties grown in the Côtes de Provence production areas:

• Grenache
• Mourvèdre
• Cinsault
• Tibouren
• Syrah

Secondary grape varieties (not exceeding 30% of the surface area) :

• Cabernet sauvignon
• Carignan

White wines

• Main grape varieties :
• Clairette
• Vermentino (dit rolle)
• Ugni blanc

Secondary grape variety (la totalité ne dépassant pas 30 % de la superficie) :

• Sémillon.

Cinsault:

Rosé is produced using a variety of techniques and ingredients. A common grape variety for this wine is Cinsault, which is used as a table grape.

It is a fertile, productive, drought-resistant variety. In fertile soils, its production is very high, and its quality is consequently very good.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

This Bordeaux grape is one of the best ingredients. The main thing to note about it is that it is rare in the Côtes de Provence region. However, many experts use it to produce red and rosé wines.

It is capable of producing wines that are already intense in color, rich in tannins and aromatic substances, and capable of long ageing; thanks to the great structure of this grape variety, we can dare long macerations and maturing in wood, especially French oak, which allow it to express a complex and fascinating bouquet over time.

Clairette:

This grape variety is grown in the southern region of the Côtes de Provence. It should also be remembered that it has a rich history in this area. It produces less fruit and more robust berries.

The best part of Clairette is that it is used to make white wines in the AOP Côtes de Provence. This ingredient adds a lime and aromatic touch to the different white wines.

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if you are looking for good wine, we advise you to read our article on the best wines of the city of Cassis https://planetazur.com/vin-et-histoire-de-cassis/