The Var department is at the heart of Provence wine production. If the designation of origin controlled Côtes de Provence is largely in the majority and recognized worldwide, there are also other names, whether for rosé wine, red wine or white wine. Let's discover the different Var wines.
The names of Var wine
Var wines take advantage of 3 names of controlled origin, but also of IGP (indication of protected origin).
AOC Côtes de Provence
Representing 75 % of the Var wine production, theCôtes de Provence appellation is mainly renowned for its rosés, which represent 80 % of production. Distributed over 84 municipalities of Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes, this AOC is very large, both for the climate and for geology. The Côtes de Provence wines are therefore very varied and complex. The red wine is very structured and generous, while the white wine is more discreet, with floral and fruity notes, very slightly spicy. The rosé wine Côtes de Provence varies according to the grape and the terroir, and can be intense as well as discreet, both fruity and floral.
AOC Bandol
L'Bandol wine aoc extends throughout the coast, and crosses 8 municipalities. Bandol wine producers take advantage of the Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures, beautiful sunshine, and low precipitation, which allows grapes to easily reach a perfect degree of maturity.
The bandol wines, from grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, or UGNI, offer a good annual return. White wines are then nervous and dry, red wines are particularly conducive to aging and give aromas of red fruits, spices, cinnamon and leather. Finally, rosy wines also have a good childcare potential, and offer a good freshness.
AOC Var Coteaux In Provence
Small terroir of 2250 hectares spread over 28 municipalities surrounding the city of Brignoles, theAOC Var Coteaux In Provence Take advantage of a protected climate of the Mediterranean influences, thanks to the reliefs of the Sainte Baume. Very hot summers and very harsh winters offer wines of character, mainly in rosé. Red wine (40 % of production) has aromas of black fruit and garrigue, rosé wine (55 % of production), presents tangy and fruity notes, and white wine (5 % of production) offers Subtle floral aromas and a dry wine.
IGP Vin de Pays du Var
IGP recognized since 2009 only, the Var country wine Take advantage of the powerful Mistral to offer wines of character. Cultivated throughout the Var department, half of the IGP wine vine in Var is intended for red wines. These then have a beautiful garnet dress, and aromas of very ripe red and black berries. Then come the rosés Wine from the country of the Var, very similar to those of the Var Coteaux AOC in Provence, then the whites, with their notes of white flesh and their brilliant and pale yellow dress.
Climate and grape varieties of Var wines
The Var vineyard Take advantage of the Mediterranean influence, concentrating both the power of the mistral (which protects the vine from diseases and humidity), moderate temperatures of the coast, and generous sunshine. Whether for bleeding wine, or for direct pressing wine, there are several grape varieties adapted to Provencal climates. Indeed, if the soil is relatively poor on the seaside, it is however very well drained, bringing beautiful minerality to the vine.
The Red Wines of the Var are thus from Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Cabernet and Sauvignon.
Var's white wines are produced from Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Sémillon.
Finally, the Rosés du Var are developed from Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Tibouren, Syrah and Carignan.
Taste Var wines
A Vin de Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur appreciates at its fair value that when it is perfectly granted to the dish tasted. Thus, it is essential to find the perfect food and perfect wine agreement. For this, it all depends on the color of the Var wine.
Red wine has a lot of character, so it is enjoyed with beautiful red meat or game. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 15 or 16 ° C, and to consume it within 2 years maximum which follow its vintage.
the Var rosé wine is young, at a temperature between 10 and 12 ° C. It will perfectly accompany fish, grilled meats, Provencal dishes, or even red meats. It is also very appreciated as an aperitif.
The white wine of the Var is drunk fresh and young, between 8 and 10 ° C, and it is recommended to serve it with seafood, fish, or as an aperitif.
The Var is enjoying a wide variety of terroirs and vines, which allow you to benefit from a wide range of 3 colors wines. The Domaine de Bern invites you to discover all the character through a Var wines tasting directly from its own wine estates.