Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu AOC

Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu sits in the Var department of Provence, positioned between the Mediterranean coast, the Massif des Maures hills, and the limestone plateaus of central Var. The appellation spans 12 communes including Pierrefeu, Cuers, Puget-Ville, Carqueiranne, La Crau, and Collobrières, among others. Elevations remain below 400 meters throughout.

• 12 communes: Carnoules, Carqueiranne, Collobrières, Cuers, La Crau, La Farlède, La Garde, La Valette, Le Pradet, Pierrefeu, Puget-Ville, and Solliès-Pont
• Located between the Mediterranean coast, Massif des Maures hills, and central Var limestone plateaus
• Total potential area of 3,900 hectares; 2,600 hectares currently under cultivation
• Pierrefeu is the single largest production basin within the entire Côtes de Provence AOC

The climate is Mediterranean with notable continental influences, bringing moderate temperature variations alongside high summer and spring temperatures. Annual average temperatures range from 13.5 to 14.5°C, with 2,800 to 2,900 hours of sunshine per year and 850 to 900mm of annual rainfall. The region experiences 30 to 45 frosty days annually. Three distinct soil types define the appellation: the red sandy-clay soils of the Permian Basin, stony soils with limestone deposits in a red sandy-clay matrix, and brown-red loamy-clay soils on hillsides with schistose deposits.

• Mediterranean climate with continental influence; 2,800 to 2,900 sunshine hours annually
• Annual rainfall 850 to 900mm; 30 to 45 frosty days per year
• Permian Basin red sandy-clay soils give the appellation its distinctive mineral character
• Hillside soils feature schistose deposits over brown-red loamy-clay base

Pierrefeu produces red and rosé wines only, with rosé accounting for approximately 90% of all production. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Tibouren are the primary red varieties, joined by Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino are also authorized. All blends must include at least two varieties, with one principal grape making up a minimum of 50% of the blend. The wines are fruit-forward with ripe red cherry and berry flavors, floral and citrusy notes, tobacco spice, and a signature minerality.

• Rosé comprises approximately 90% of production; no white wines are permitted under the AOC
• Key varieties include Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Tibouren
• Minimum two-variety blend required; principal grape must represent at least 50%
• Flavor profile: ripe red cherry, berry, floral and citrus notes, tobacco spice, and minerality

Winemaking in the Pierrefeu area stretches back over 2,600 years. The modern push for formal recognition began in August 2003, when a group of local winemakers formed an association to seek official INAO status. After a decade of work, the terroir denomination was formally recognized in 2013, with that year also marking the first release of wines under the Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu label. The appellation is one of five terroir denominations within Côtes de Provence, alongside Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, and Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Les Vignerons de Pierrefeu, a cooperative founded in 1921, remains one of the most prominent producers in the zone.

• Association of winemakers formed August 2003 to pursue INAO recognition; denomination granted 2013
• One of five terroir denominations within Côtes de Provence AOC
• Les Vignerons de Pierrefeu cooperative founded 1921; over 31 authorized producers total
• Approximately 125,000 gallons produced annually across the appellation