Fine wine of Provence: Château les Valentines
APPELLATION CÔTES DE PROVENCE LA LONDE
Located at La Londe-les-Maures, 25 km from Chartreuse de la Verne, "Château Valentines" offers Provencal wines certified as belonging to the appellation Côte de Provence and Côte de Provence La Londe.
These wines are produced from grape varietals traditionally grown in Provence: the Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rolle, Clarette, and Ugni-Blanc from vines more than of thirty years old. The varied range of wines are marketed as part of a line of gastronomic wines, "Great cuvee No. 8", great gourmet reds, "Caprice of Clementine" and sparkling rosé extra dry wine.
The range of gastronomic wines "Château les Valentines" are typical in character of those commonly associated with the appellation Cotes de Provence.
The "Great cuvee No. 8" family of wines reflect the exceptional characteristics of the land from which they are produced in the best winemaking traditions of the Côtes Provence La Londe appellation. The rosés possess mineral accents, full-bodied and ample. Made from old Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine and aged in barrels, the white wines are fine and possess a delicate aromatic balance.
This collection of great gourmet reds offers wines of character, powerful and fine at the same time, with aromas of red and black fruits. Such reds are characterized by spicy cassis-like aromas.
The "Caprice of Clementine" range, for example, possesses flavors of fresh fruits in a delicate and delightful way, giving the rise to exceptional vintages. Rosé wines, on the other hand, are marked by the aromas of fine red fruits and spices. The white wines, in contrast, express the finesse of the Rolle, Clarets, and Ugni-Blanc varietals blended in a manner that provides hints of citrus accompanied by notes of iodine.
Among the wines tasted and described here, two proved especially noteworthy: the white wine "Caprice Clementine" and rosé sparkling wine extra brut. Produced from Ugni-Blanc, Clairette and Vermentine, the white wine is essence of finesse and delicate aromas. The rosé sparkling wine extra brut expresses the fine gourmand notes of citrus, wood strawberries and anise. Elaborated through traditional Provencal methods, this wine possesses fine, light bubbles, and a delightful effervescence.
The cellar is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm every day except Sunday and holidays.
Address: route de Collobrières, lieu-dit les Jassons, 83250 La Londe-les-Maures
Phone : +33 4 94 15 95 50
Fine wine of Provence: Château Nestuby
APPELATION CÔTES DE PROVENCE AND PGI VAR
The Château Nestuby is located near the village of Cotignac, about 20 km from the Abbey of Thoronet.
The wines produced by Château Nestuby, as part of the "Classic" line, are typical of the region of Provence, noteworthy for their power and finesse.
The wines produced by Château Nestuby, as part of the "Collection" line, are admirably expressive of local soil characteristics. Such wines are truly exceptional vintages which harmoniously combine freshness and elegance.
Among the wines tasted, two deserve special mention: the rosé wine from the "Collection" series and its white wine counterpart which is produced 100% from the Rolle varietal.
The "Collection" line’s rosé wine expresses a range of elegant aromas such as wild strawberries, underscored by great freshness and a spicy finish. Excellent as an aperitif, it delightfully accompanies poultry, pork, and fish dishes as well as fresh tossed salads.
The white wine produced 100% from the Rolle varietal is expressive and gives off pleasant hints of citrus. Characterized by its minerality, this wine is excellent as an aperitif and goes particularly well with seafood dishes and meals featuring, in particular, sea bass and other types of white fishes.
The shop is open between May 1st through October 30th: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM;
November 1st to April 30th: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Address : 4540, route de Montfort, 83570 Cotignac
Phone : +33 4 94 04 60 02
WINE OF DOMAINE DE LA SOURCE
APPELLATION BELLET
The Domaine de la Source belongs to the Dalmasso family. The estate's wines are certified as Bellet appellation*.
The vinyard area is about 6 hectares. The yield of the domain is 35 Hl / hectare. Harvesting is done manually. The average age of the vines is about 20 years.
Among the wines to the rosé wine BIO, the white wine BIO, the red wine BIO, and the Cuvée Fuella Nera produced from 100% of Folle Noire varietal.
The Domaine de la Source's rosé wine is produced from 100% Braquet. The Braquet is a rare varietal that can be found only on the hills of Bellet. It’s clusters are broad and generous with slight tones of mauve.
The wine is characterized by a bouquet of wild rose and briar rose, aromas of broom, violet and exotic fruits. Possessing powerful minerality, it accompanies nicely sea urchins, crustaceans, white meats and grilled fishes, socca niçoise, pissaladière and stuffed vegetables.
The Domaine de la Source white wine is made of 100% Rolle.
It is characterized by floral aromas, mandarin, pink grapefruit and bergamot. Upon the palet, it has an iodized, lemon-flavored taste with a tinge of sweet honey at the end. Accompanies nicely filet of sole, other baked white fish dishes, lobster, and fresh goat cheese.
The red wine Domaine de la Source is made up of 80% of Folle Noire and 20% of Grenache. Its aging in oak barrels extends for a period of more than 12 months.
It is characterized by aromas of red fruit, prunes and violet flowers. On the palate, it surrenders hints of pepper and powerful melted tannins. It accompanies many dishes of red meats, cold cuts, poultry in spicy sauces, and stews.
The red wine Cuvée Fuella Nera is composed 100% of Folle Noire. Like the Braquet, the breeding of this grape varietal is exclusive to the appellation Bellet. The grapes are small and very dense. It produces wines with bouquet and structure.
This particular wine is characterized by fruity aromas dominated by hints of plum, cherry and apricot. It is aged for at least one year in barrels. Its tasting is recommended for experienced wine connoiseurs, because it expresses its full power after several years of conservation.
Tasting without appointment - 12 € per person.
Family Dalmasso Owner Harvesting
Address: 303, chemin de Saquier, Saint Roman de Bellet, 06200 Nice
Phone : +33 4 93 29 81 60
* AOP Bellet – wines of appellation Bellet
The wines of Bellet are classified as appellation since 1941. Its production area is on the territory of Nice to the west of the city on the left bank of the Var river. Its surface area is 52 hectares. The production of wine is about 120 000 bottles per year.
In 2017, there are 10 estates certified as appellation Bellet: Château de Bellet, Château de Crémat, Domaine Clos Nicea, Domaine Clos St Vincent, Domaine St Jean, Domaine Via Julia Augusta, Domaine de Collet de Bovis, Domaine de Toasc, Domaine de Vinceline, Domaine de la Source.
Wines of Provence "Domaine de l'Île de Porquerolles"
APPELLATION COTES DE PROVENCE
The Fournier family has developed a quality vineyard: their wine was one of the first to be certified with the Côtes de Provence appellation.
Among their best wines are the BIO rosé, BIO white, and the red.
The Domaine de l'ile de Porquerolles rosé wine is made up of 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 25% Mourvèdre, and 25% Tibouren.
It is characterized by aromas of white peach, raspberry and other exotic fruits. This particular rosé pairs well with sea urchins, shrimp, crustaceans, and grilled white meats.
The Domaine de l'Ile de Porquerolles white wine is derived wholly from the Rolle varietal.
It is characterized by citrus-like flavors with a touch of lemon-honey at the end. It compliments baked white fish, grilled lobster, steamed lobster, and fresh goat cheese.
The Domaine de l'ile de Porquerolles red is composed of Syrah and Grenache.
It is characterized by aromas of red fruits, prunes and fresh violets. A robust and bold wine, it is mildly spicy with hints of black pepper, cloves, and tannins. It accompanies many dishes nicely, especially red meats, saucy poultry dishes, and various types of fresh cheeses.
Tastings can be scheduled year round, but by reservation only.
Address: 83400 Porquerolles
Phone: 04 98 04 62 30
Fine wine of Provence : Domaine Grande Bastide
COUNTRY WINES OF VAR DEPARTMENT
The Domaine Grande Bastide is located in town of Tourrettes in the Var department, about 6 km from Callian and 8 km from Seillans. The wines of this estate have been honored with several medals over the years.
The wines of Domaine Grande Bastide are certified as PGI Var.
Among the wines to be recommended for tasting are the rosé "Othello", the rosé "Cuvée Première", the Muscat rosé and the Muscat blanc.
The rosé wine "Othello" is composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Tibouren, and 25% Syrah. It is characterized by red fruit-like aromas. It is fragrant and light upon the palate. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif and accompanies fish diches and vegetables such as peppers, zucchini or eggplant.
The rosé wine "Cuvée Première" is composed of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet and 20% Syrah. Its nose is embellished with fruits of the woods, with shades of citrus. Crunchy on the palate and generous. It goes well with a variaty of grilled meats and fresh goat cheese.
The Muscat rosé wine is made up of 90% Muscat from Hamburg and 10% Syrah. Its nose is richly floral and sweet. It is light upon the palate and carries with it aromas of candied brioche and citrus fruits. It can be served as an aperitif and accompanies well foie gras, poultry, cheeses and desserts.
The Muscat white wine is made from 100% Muscat grape from Alexandria. Its nose is floral and sweet. In the mouth, sweet and refined, with lychee, pineapple and apricot aromas. It can be served as compliment to dessert diches and goes well with foie gras, fruit salads, sorbets and goat cheese.
Open for visits during summer Monday - Saturday: 9:00am-12:00pm and 2:30pm-7:00pm;
During winter Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00am-12:30pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm, Mondays - 2:00pm-6:00pm.