La Londe appellation: a unique terroir

The La Londe Appellation received official recognition from the INAO institute in May 2008. This acknowledgment of the distinctive terroir and wine production from the La Londe appellation was made possible through the concerted efforts of winegrowers, united in an association since 2001. This geographical designation complements the two other DGCs: Sainte-Victoire and Fréjus. In 2013, the list of terroir designations was expanded with the addition of the Pierrefeu appellation, followed by Notre Dame des Anges a few years later.

Location: The vineyard of this terroir designation is situated in the southwest of the Massif des Maures, covering four villages or cities in Var: La Londe-les-Maures, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Hyères (including the island of Porquerolles), and La Crau.

Climate and Soil: The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea influences the specific climate of this area, with lower winter and summer temperatures. The sector experiences low annual rainfall and significant sunshine duration (3,000 hours per year). Sea breezes contribute to almost constant ventilation with high amplitude.

There are four types of soil in this terroir: soils on phyllades, colluvial soils on slopes with phyllades, colluvial soils in areas of collapse, and ancient alluvial soils.

Area Covered: The area covered by this Appellation is 154 hectares, with 411 hectares that can be claimed by the winegrowers.

Wines: Currently, this terroir designation only applies to rosé and red wines. However, winegrowers are working towards including white wines in this designation, with optimistic expectations of swift approval by the INAO. The average production of this designation is 6,600 hectoliters per year.

For rosé production, the main grape varieties include Grenache and Cinsault, accompanied by Carignan, Clairette, Mourvèdre, Sémillon, Syrah, Tibouren, Ugni blanc, and Rolle (Vermentino).

For red production, the main grape varieties are Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, with possible complements of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan. Red Côtes de Provence La Londe wines must be aged for a minimum of 11 months.