Côtes de Provence La Londe

Viticulture in this corner of Provence traces its roots to the Greek Phocaeans, who introduced vines to Marseille around 600 BC. The area has been recognized as Côtes de Provence since 1848, and following the phylloxera crisis the vineyards were reconstructed in the early 20th century. The broader Côtes de Provence appellation received VDQS status in 1951 and full AOC status in 1977. La Londe's specific terroir designation was accepted by INAO in May 2008 and officially authorized in April 2009, with the 2008 vintage marking the first to carry the designation as a recognized cru of Provence. White wines were added to the DGC in August 2016, making La Londe the only DGC within Côtes de Provence authorized for all three colors.

• Vines introduced to the region by Greek Phocaeans around 600 BC
• AOC Côtes de Provence granted in 1977; La Londe DGC authorized in April 2009
• White wines incorporated into the designation in August 2016
• 2008 vintage marked the start of official recognition as a Provençal cru

La Londe sits on the Mediterranean coast between Hyères and Bormes-les-Mimosas, with vineyards positioned southwest of the Massif des Maures and facing the Golden Isles of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant. The defining soils are phyllades, a metamorphic schist, which appear in several forms across the zone: shallow soils on stony phyllades, sloping colluvial soils on phyllades, colluvial soils in collapse zones with quartzite, sandstone, and phyllade pebbles, and ancient alluvial soils. The Mediterranean climate delivers mild temperatures in both winter and summer, annual precipitation below 700 mm, abundant sunshine, and constant sea breezes that moderate the vines throughout the growing season.

• Located between Hyères and Bormes-les-Mimosas on the Mediterranean coast
• Dominant soils are phyllades, a metamorphic schist, in multiple forms
• Annual precipitation below 700 mm; constant sea breezes provide natural cooling
• Vineyards face the Golden Isles: Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Le Levant

Rosé accounts for approximately 75% of production and is built on Grenache and Cinsault, with Syrah, Tibouren, Mourvèdre, and Rolle permitted as supporting varieties. Red wines, which represent the remaining 25%, follow a GSM structure of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with optional additions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan; reds must be aged a minimum of 11 months before release. White wines, permitted since 2016, are produced primarily from Rolle, also known as Vermentino, with Clairette, Sémillon, and Ugni Blanc also authorized. About 30 to 35 member wineries belong to the La Londe Winegrowers Association, and roughly half practice organic agriculture. Average annual production sits at approximately 6,600 hectoliters.

• Rosé: Grenache and Cinsault base, with Syrah, Tibouren, Mourvèdre, and Rolle
• Red: GSM blend with optional Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan; minimum 11 months aging
• White: primarily Rolle (Vermentino), with Clairette, Sémillon, and Ugni Blanc
• Approximately half of La Londe's 30 to 35 producers practice organic agriculture

La Londe hosts a strong roster of château-based estates. Château Sainte Marguerite stands out as a Cru Classé property within the appellation. Other well-regarded estates include Château Maravenne, Château Les Mesclances, Château de Brégançon, Château Angueiroun, Château des Anglades, Château des Bormettes, Château de Jasson, Château La Valetanne, Château Tour St-Honoré, Saint-André de Figuière, and Château Pas du Cerf. The appellation community comes together annually for the Fête des Vins du Terroir AOC Côtes de Provence La Londe, held each April.

• Château Sainte Marguerite holds Cru Classé classification
• Approximately 30 to 35 member estates in the La Londe Winegrowers Association
• Annual wine festival held each April celebrates the appellation's terroir
• Notable estates include Château de Brégançon, Château Maravenne, and Saint-André de Figuière