The AOC Côtes de Provence is the largest appellation in the Provence wine region of southeastern France. It covers about 20,000 hectares of vineyards, which produce the vast majority of Provence's rosé wine. This appellation includes most of the vineyards in the Var department - essentially the eastern half of the Provence wine region - with the exception of 2,250 hectares North of Toulon which are reserved for the Côteaux Varois en Provence appellation. Although it also covers red and white wine, about 80% of Côtes de Provence production is rosé.
This wine is mainly made from the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut grapes, as well as the quintessential Provence red Tibouren. Although clearly a minority, the Volume of red wine produced under this title (and elsewhere in Provence) is increasing and currently represents about 15% of the total. Grapes such as the three key Rhone varieties mentioned above and Cabernet Sauvignon (introduced here in the 1960s) are being used by a New wave of winemakers eager to demonstrate that rosé is not the only interesting wine in the region. Only about five percent of Côtes de Provence wines are made from white grapes, particularly Rolle (Vermentino).
Counoise is a black grape variety of Spanish origin. It is widely cultivated in the southern part of France. It is very similar to the aubun, with which it is often confused, and has a white cottony bud. Unlike the aubun, the leaves of this variety do not have teeth in the petiolar sinus. They are thick and large. Its bunches are medium-sized but its berries are large. It is advisable to prune it short so that it is productive. It matures in the second half of the year, but production depends on the vintage. This grape variety appreciates hillside terroirs, which are stony and warm. It fears grey rot without being sensitive to oidium and mildew. Counoise has two approved clones, 508 and 725. The wine obtained from Counoise is not very colourful. It is fine and fruity. Its aromas are diversified with notes of fruit, flowers and spices.
red wines from the region of Côtes de Provence go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of beef luc lake, purple leg of lamb with red wine and cranberries or kimo (malagasy dish with beef).
On the nose in the region of Côtes de Provence often reveals types of flavors of blackberry, oak or spices and sometimes also flavors of red fruit, black fruit or peach. In the mouth in the region of Côtes de Provence is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
