Production

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Hectolitres

rosés, reds and whites

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Terroir designation of the Côtes de Provence AOC recognized in

2008

The vineyards of this terroir designation are located on the coastal headland, to the southWest of the Massif des Maures. The vines grow across from the sea, facing the Golden Isles: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. There are four Var communes within the boundaries of the Côtes de Provence La Londe designation: Bormes-les-Mimosas (partially), La Crau (partially), Hyères and La Londe-les-Maures.

Mild climate of the seaside

The immediate proximity of the Mediterranean Sea determines the climate specific to this sector. Its winter and summer temperatures are less pronounced. Annual precipitation is particularly low (less than 700 mm/year). There is plenty of sunshine, and the sea breeze is nearly constant and varies greatly.

Succession of phyllades

This terroir dotted with outcroppings of rock counts four soil types, all marked by phyllades, meaning schist hardened by metamorphism in structural sheets, similar to slate: shallow soil on stony phyllades, sloping colluvial soil on more or less stony phyllades, colluvial soil in zones of subsidence with quartzite, sandstone and phyllade stones, and ancient alluvial soil with quartzite, sandstone and phyllade stones.

Red wines

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Grape varieties

Red wines

Main varietals

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Grenache

Distinguishing features

This varietal comes from Spain originally. It is very high-yield and resistant to violent winds and drought.

Character

Grenache brings fatness, a full body and power to wines. It gives young wines elegant hints of berries, and spicier, meaty notes to more evolved wines.

Mourvèdre

Distinguishing features

Its small berries prefer warm, calcareous terroirs. This varietal ripens slowly: it is happiest when facing the sea, where it can ripen properly. It has been planted in Provence for a very long time.

Character

Mourvèdre produces robust wines with delicate, assertive tannins. While young, wines made with this varietal offer touches of violet and blackberry. Its smooth suppleness, accompanied by characteristic notes of spices, pepper and cinnamon, are only revealed after several years of cellar ageing. Mourvèdre is often used in blends with Grenache and Syrah.

Syrah

Distinguishing features

Syrah is a grape that produces small black berries with a bluish sheen and delicate but fairly hardy skin.

Character

Syrah creates solid, deep-coloured wines whose tannins make them coarse in the first years, but benefit particularly from prolonged ageing. Over the years, it evolves into its characteristic notes of vanilla, tobacco and candied berries.

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Additional varietals

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Cabernet-sauvignon

Distinguishing features

Fairly uncommon in Provence, this famous Bordeaux varietal grows small berries with hard skins and crunchy flesh.

Character

It brings tannic robustness to wines that is both powerful and gentle, and which helps with ageing: its characteristic nose of green pepper, blackcurrant and tobacco distinguishes it from other varietals. When blended with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon can produce wines with good aging capacity.

Carignan

Distinguishing features

Great in poor soil and well-established in the South of France, this varietal that was once very widespread in Provence has now become rarer.

Character

It needs to be cultivated on low-yield hillsides to fully express itself. It then produces robust, generous deep-coloured wines that provide an excellent foundation for a blending. When not blended, it delivers aromas of cherry, raspberry and prune, and takes several years to acquire a patina.

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Rosé wines

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Grape varieties

Rosé wines

Main varietals

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Cinsault

Distinguishing features

Flavourful and attractive, this Provençal varietal has long been used as a table grape. It is widely used to make rosé in Provence.

Character

It adds a fresh, delicate, fruity touch to wines, nuancing the power of other varietals.

Grenache

Distinguishing features

This varietal comes from Spain originally. It is very high-yield and resistant to violent winds and drought.

Character

Grenache brings fatness, a full body and power to wines. It gives young wines elegant hints of berries, and spicier, meaty notes to more evolved wines.

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Additional varietals

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Mourvèdre

Distinguishing features

Its small berries prefer warm, calcareous terroirs. This varietal ripens slowly: it is happiest when facing the sea, where it can ripen properly. It has been planted in Provence for a very long time.

Character

Mourvèdre produces robust wines with delicate, assertive tannins. While young, wines made with this varietal offer touches of violet and blackberry. Its smooth suppleness, accompanied by characteristic notes of spices, pepper and cinnamon, are only revealed after several years of cellar ageing. Mourvèdre is often used in blends with Grenache and Syrah.

Carignan

Distinguishing features

Great in poor soil and well-established in the South of France, this varietal that was once very widespread in Provence has now become rarer.

Character

It needs to be cultivated on low-yield hillsides to fully express itself. It then produces robust, generous deep-coloured wines that provide an excellent foundation for a blending. When not blended, it delivers aromas of cherry, raspberry and prune, and takes several years to acquire a patina.

Syrah

Distinguishing features

Syrah is a grape that produces small black berries with a bluish sheen and delicate but fairly hardy skin.

Character

Syrah creates solid, deep-coloured wines whose tannins make them coarse in the first years, but benefit particularly from prolonged ageing. Over the years, it evolves into its characteristic notes of vanilla, tobacco and candied berries.

Tibouren

Distinguishing features

An authentic Provençal grape. In fact, the only place in France where it can be found is in the Var department.

Character

Tibouren produces delicate, elegant wines. It is perfect for rosés, in which it offers finesse on the palate and a rich bouquet. It is the preferred grape for blends made with other Provençal varietals.

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White wines

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Grape varieties

White wines

Main varietal

Rolle (ou vermentino)

Distinguishing features

This varietal has always been cultivated in Provence, where it is very widespread. It ripens late and needs a warm climate. It is robust with excellent organoleptic quality.

Character

Rolle makes wines with bouquets of citrus, pear, almond and fennel. It also adds fatness, balance and a lot of finesse.

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Additional varietals

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Clairette

Distinguishing features

This varietal is typically southern and has a very long history in Provence. It produces little fruit, but its oblong berries are sturdy and hardy.

Character

Clairette offers aromatic, bouqueted wines with notes of white fruits, fennel and lime blossom.

Sémillon

Distinguishing features

Sémillon is a sturdy, high-yield varietal but that is susceptible to rot.

Character

When used in small proportions, it adds aromatic power, viscosity and roundness to wines. It delivers hints of hazelnut, honey, apricot and white flowers.

Ugni blanc

Distinguishing features

This Tuscan varietal produces round, juicy grapes in large, elongated bunches. Ugni Blanc is sensitive to frost but is also sturdy and very high-yield.

Character

Ugni Blanc produces a fruity, light-bodied wine of great delicacy. When assembled with other grapes, it provides a touch of freshness to wine.

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Contact:

Association des Vignerons la Londe

Le Pansard – RD 559
83250 La Londe-les-Maures

Website : http://www.cotesdeprovence-lalonde.com/
E-mail : aoclonde@gmail.com