Côtes de Provence French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Côtes de Provence is the largest appellation of Provence and the world's reference for pale, dry, elegant rosé, which makes up about 90% of its production, alongside characterful reds and whites.
More info about Côtes de Provence
Geographic position
Southeastern France, mainly in the Var department, with parts of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes, from the Mediterranean coast around Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures inland to the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, with sub-zones such as Sainte-Victoire, La Londe, Fréjus, Pierrefeu and Notre-Dame des Anges.
Origin & history
The Phocaean Greeks founded Marseille around 600 BC and planted the first vines in France here, making Provence the country's oldest wine region. The Romans later expanded the vineyards. Côtes de Provence became an AOC in 1977, and its rosés became a global trend from the 2000s.
Wines & grape varieties
Rosés and reds from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tibouren and Carignan; whites mainly from Rolle (Vermentino). Expect peach, citrus, strawberry and herbs in rosés, and black fruit and garrigue in reds.
Climate & soil
Hot, sunny Mediterranean climate with the Mistral. Limestone in the north and west, crystalline schist and granite in the east.
Wine region: Provence
Grape varieties: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Rolle, Syrah, Tibouren, Vermentino