This
month we are celebrating one winery, Chateau les Valentines, located in La
Londe-les-Maures, on the coast between Toulon and St Tropez, in the particular
Cru of Cotes de Provence La Londe. The
property extends over 50 hectares of schist where grapevines, pine forests and
garrigue scrubland enjoy full southern exposure, windswept by the Mistral and
steeped in the gentle influence of the sea.
Vineyards
have been present on the land for well over 100 years, and the grapes were sold
to the local cooperative winery until the Pans-Massenot family bought the
property in 1997, and named the Chateau after their two children, Valentin and
Clementine, creating Chateau les Valentines.
They
cultivate organic vineyards, growing 9 different varietals to produce 75% rosé,
15% red and 10% white wines.
Cotes
de Provence La Londe was designated as a terroir-specific AOP in 2008, a small
area within the Cotes de Provence near the coast, where the proximity to the
Mediterranean keeps the vineyards fresh, in addition to the particular soil
types adding interest to the grapes grown there. East of Bandol, the view from these vineyards
are as beautiful as you can imagine! (Feel free to ask me to show you the
map when you’re next in the shop! ~Mary)
Pascale
and Gilles Pons-Massenot are animated by their passion for wine, terroir, and a
love of Provence. This month we are
celebrating the iconic range of their vineyard, reflecting the local terroir
and a love of gastronomy. The land has
been organically farmed since 1997 and certified organic since 2008.
Chateau les Valentines Cotes de Provence La Londe Blanc
2024
This
Blanc de Blancs is made of a blend of
50% Rolle (also known as Vermentino), 35% Ugni Blanc and 15% Clairette. A complex and aromatic blend with lovely
mineral length and balance. This wine,
along with so many delicious whites and rosés of the region, are delightful
when enjoyed on their own or when paired with the classic seafood dishes of the
area, along with other dishes like poultry in cream sauce or asparagus salad. You can sense the crispness of the
mediterranean air in the finish of this wine, balanced by the beautiful
aromatics that you would smell on the sea breezes.
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Chateau les Valentines Cotes de Provence La Londe Rosé
2025
This classic very pale pink rosé is made from a blend of 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache. Fine and delicate, this is the emblematic cuvée of the estate. Fresh and airy, with notes of soft red fruit, pink pepper, with a saltiness to the finish, lovely citrus flavors balancing. Cold maceration in stainless steel and a temperature controlled fermentation keeps the freshness bright. Delicious on its own, this always pairs beautifully with pasta with shellfish, vegetables, fish, and Asian cuisine.
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Chateau
les Valentines Cotes de Provence Rouge 2024
While Provence Blanc and Rosé are traditionally very
easy drinking wines (though not necessarily simple—there’s a difference!) the
Reds can often be beautifully intense, due to the prominence of Syrah and
Mourvedre in the blends. This wine is
blend of equal parts of four classic local grapes and one international
varietal: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cabernet, made from 60 year
old vines. This balanced but richer
herbaceous wine pairs well with grilled foods, duck confit, and pork, among
others.
