Production

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Hectolitres

rosés et reds

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Terroir designation of the Côtes de Provence AOC recognized in

2019

The terroir designation bears the name Notre-Dame des Anges, in reference to the highest point in the Massif des Maures (767 m), which is visible throughout the territory, and extends through an extraordinary environment, surrounding the Plaine des Maures National Nature Reserve. The landscape encompasses umbrella pines, oak trees and chestnut groves, and covers 10 communities in the Var department : Les Arcs, Carnoules, Taradeau, Vidauban, Le Cannet-des-Maures, La Garde-Freinet, Le Luc, Les Mayons, Gonfaron and Pignans.

A Mediterranean climate with continental influences

Cut off from any maritime influence by the presence of the Massif des Maures, the Notre-Dame des Anges region is subject to a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, featuring cool, wet winters (900 mm/year) and particular hot, dry summers. The temperature range associated with this climate allows the grapes to reach peak phenolic maturity whilst maintaining the acidity of the berries.

Diverse soils including the red earth typical of Provence

The entire sector is located on the same geological formation, Permian sandstone dating from the Palaeozoic era (the oldest geological remains in the appellation), on which four main types of soils can be found: schist along the edges of the Maures mountain range, sand, pelites whose red colour is one of the visible characteristics of this terroir, old alluvial terraces of the Aille River with their “rounded pebbles” (galets roulés).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Association des Vignerons de Cuers, Pierrefeu et Puget-Ville

3 Avenue des Poilus
83390 Pierrefeu Du Var

Website : http://www.terroir-pierrefeu.fr