The Var department is at the heart of Provence wine production. Although the Côtes de Provence appellation d'origine contrôlée is widely recognised throughout the world, there are also other appellations, whether for rosé wine, red wine or white wine. Let's discover the different Var wines.
VAR WINE APPELLATIONS
The wines of the Var benefit from 3 registered designations of origin but also a IGP (protected indication of origin).
AOC Côtes de Provence
Representing 75% of the Var wine production, the Côtes de Provence appellation is essentially renowned for its rosés, which represent 80% of the production. Spread over 84 communes in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes, this AOC is very vast, both for the climate and the geology. The Côtes de Provence wines are therefore very varied and complex. The red wine is very full-bodied and generous, while the white wine is more discreet, with floral and fruity notes, very slightly spicy. The Côtes de Provence rosé wine varies according to the grape variety and the terroir, and can be both intense and discreet, as well as fruity and floral.
AOC Bandol
L’AOC Bandol wine extends all along the coastline, and crosses 8 communes. Bandol wine producers benefit from the Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and low rainfall, which allows the grapes to reach perfect ripeness easily.
The Bandol wines, The grape varieties of Grenache, Cinsault and Ugni offer a good annual yield. The white wines are nervous and dry, the red wines are particularly suitable for ageing and give aromas of red fruits, spices, cinnamon and leather. Finally, the rosé wines also have a good ageing potential and offer a nice freshness.
AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence
A small terroir of 2250 hectares spread over 28 communes surrounding the town of Brignoles, the AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence benefits from a climate protected from Mediterranean influences, thanks to the relief of the Sainte Baume. The very hot summers and the very harsh winters offer wines of character, mainly rosé. The red wine (40% of production) has aromas of black fruits and garrigue, the rosé wine (55% of production), has acidulous and fruity notes, and the white wine (5% of production) offers subtle floral aromas and a dry wine.
IGP Vin de Pays du Var
IGP recognised only since 2009, the Vin de Pays du Var takes advantage of the powerful Mistral wind to offer wines of character. Cultivated throughout the Var department, half of the vines IGP Vin de Pays du Var are used for red wines. These have a beautiful garnet colour and aromas of small, ripe red and black fruits. Then come the rosés Vin du Pays du VarThese are very similar to those of the AOC Coteaux Varois in Provence, followed by the whites, with their notes of white-fleshed fruit and their brilliant, pale yellow colour.
CLIMATE AND GRAPE VARIETIES ABOUT VAR WINES
The Var vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean influence, combining the power of the Mistral wind (which protects the vines from disease and humidity), the moderate temperatures of the coastline, and the generous amount of sunshine. There are several grape varieties that are adapted to the climate of Provence, whether for bleeding wine or for direct pressing. Indeed, if the soil is relatively poor on the seaside, it is however very well drained, bringing a beautiful minerality to the vine.
The red wines of the Var are made from Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Cabernet and Sauvignon.
The white wines of the Var are produced from Rolle, Grenache blanc, Clairette, Ugni blanc and Sémillon.
Finally, the rosé wines of the Var are made from Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache noir, Tibouren, Syrah and Carignan.
TASTING THE WINES OF THE VAR
A wine from Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur A wine can only be fully appreciated when it is perfectly matched to the dish being tasted. It is therefore essential to find the perfect match between food and wine. This depends on the colour of the Var wine.
Red wine has a lot of character, so it is best enjoyed with fine red meat or game. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 15 or 16°C, and to consume it within a maximum of 2 years following its vintage.
The rosé wine from the Var is best consumed young, at a temperature of between 10 and 12°C. It goes perfectly with fish, grilled meats, Provencal dishes, or red meats. It is also very appreciated as an aperitif.
White wine from the Var is best drunk chilled and young, between 8 and 10°C, and is recommended to be served with seafood, fish or as an aperitif.
The Var has a wide variety of terroirs and vineyards, which allow us to benefit from a wide range of wines of the 3 colours. The Domaine de Berne invites you to discover all the character of this region through a tasting of Var wines directly from its own vineyards.
