Les caves du commandeur
Montfort-sur-Argens
Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois
en Provence & IGP Var

A Century-Old Legacy in the Heart of Provence

Founded in 1913, Les Caves du Commandeur, the Montfort-sur-Argens cooperative winery, is a true gem of Green Provence. Located in the village of Montfort-sur-Argens, between the Mediterranean coast and the famous Gorges du Verdon, the winery takes its name from the Templar castle that overlooks the town—a 12th-century commandery that reflects the region’s deep historical and cultural roots.

Our vineyards stretch across 600 hectares, spanning nine nearby communes, including Montfort-sur-Argens, Carcès, Correns, Cotignac, Salernes, and Villecroze. This diverse terrain, made up of limestone-clay soils and blessed with a sunny climate and cool nights, creates the perfect conditions for crafting wines of exceptional quality.

From its inception, the winery has been a central part of village life, uniting generations of passionate winegrowers. Today, 60 producers work together with a shared goal: to produce authentic, elegant wines while preserving the environment for future generations.

Responsible and Sustainable Agriculture in Montfort-sur-Argens

At Les Caves du Commandeur, honoring our terroir has always been a guiding principle. Over time, this philosophy has evolved to embrace the latest advancements in sustainable development. Today, over 90% of our cooperative's vineyards are cultivated using organic farming methods or are certified High Environmental Value (HVE).

Key Principles of Organic Wine Certification

Farming without synthetic chemicals

• Prohibition of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.

• Use of natural substances or those authorized by organic standards.

Respect for soil and biodiversity

• Soil management practices that promote microbial life.

• Encouragement of biodiversity (hedgerows, cover crops, etc.).

100% organically grown grapes

• No use of conventionally grown grapes allowed.

Regulated winemaking process

• Limitation or prohibition of certain oenological practices.

• Restricted use of additives.

The HVE approach is based on four key pillars:

Biodiversity preservation: planting hedgerows, maintaining natural areas, and protecting native species
Sustainable water management, crucial in the Mediterranean climate
Responsible plant protection, with minimal use of synthetic chemicals
Long-term soil and nutrient management to ensure healthy, productive vines

These commitments reflect a shared ambition: to combine agricultural excellence with environmental responsibility. The cooperative plays an active role in supporting its winegrowers through the ongoing transition toward more ethical, sustainable practices.

A Precise and Rigorous Winemaking Process

The vineyards of Les Caves du Commandeur benefit from abundant sunshine and cooler nights than the rest of central Var—ideal conditions for aromatic and well-balanced wines.

We work closely with growers to identify the best vineyard plots, which contribute to our full range of wines, available in both bottles and BIBs (Bag-in-Box).

Harvesting usually begins in late August and lasts around six weeks. Grapes are picked at night to preserve their freshness, following a carefully planned schedule for optimal ripeness.

Step 1: Grape Reception, Destemming & Crushing

Each grower harvests according to a predefined schedule and registers their expected volumes with the winery. Upon delivery, a traceability ticket is issued, detailing:

- Grower ID and parcel number

- Date and time of delivery

- Grape variety and designation

- Weight, sugar content, and tank assignment

This traceability guarantees transparency and quality for consumers.

Grapes are then destemmed (removing the stalks) and crushed to gently break the berries and begin releasing the juice.

Step 2: Direct Pressing for Rosés and Whites

The grapes are lightly crushed and pressed in one of our five pneumatic presses, four of which are temperature-controlled. This advanced equipment enables gentle, gradual pressing, preserving the integrity of the fruit and optimizing juice quality.

Step 3: Clarification (Débourbage)

The juice is clarified before fermentation to remove solid particles. We use a range of vessels — concrete vats, stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, and egg-shaped concrete tanks, all of which are thermoregulated to ensure precise control over the fermentation process and aroma preservation. We also perform cold settling to further refine the must.

Step 4: Alcoholic Fermentation

Fermentation transforms grape juice into wine through the natural action of yeasts converting sugar into alcohol. This phase is essential for developing the wine’s aromatic profile.

Step 5: Malolactic Fermentation Management

Once alcoholic fermentation is complete:

- For rosé and white wines, we block malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness and acidity.

- For red wines, malolactic fermentation is allowed, enhancing roundness and softness in the final texture.

Step 6: Ageing on Fine Lees

Ageing on fine lees (yeast residues) enhances body, complexity, and aromatic intensity. Depending on the cuvée, ageing may take place in oak barrels or concrete egg tanks, adding layers of texture and elegance.

Step 7: Bottling

Once matured, the wines are filtered using a state-of-the-art tangential filter. Bottling and BIB filling are handled by specialized external partners to ensure optimal hygiene and benefit from the latest industry technologies.

Wines That Express the Diversity of Provence

Three Distinct Appellations

Our production focuses on three key Provençal wine classifications:

AOP Côtes
de Provence

The winery’s flagship designation, featuring elegant rosés, structured reds, and expressive whites. These wines are celebrated for their balance and ability to elevate Provençal cuisine.

AOP Coteaux Varois
en Provence

Grown at higher altitudes, these wines are marked by finesse and freshness — perfect with refined dishes such as white meats and delicate seafood.

IGP
Var

This designation allows for greater creative freedom in grape use and technique, producing accessible, fruit-forward wines ideal for everyday enjoyment.

Traditional Provençal Grape Varieties

Our wines are crafted from classic Mediterranean grape varieties:

- Rosés and reds : Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault.

- Whites : Rolle (Vermentino), known for its freshness and finesse

These grapes, carefully cultivated, reflect the full character of the Var terroir.

Signature Cuvées from Montfort-sur-Argens

Rosé Wines: Elegance and Freshness

Divitis Rosé (AOP Côtes de Provence)

Château Robernier Rosé (AOP Côtes de Provence)

Initiale Rosé Organic (AOP Côtes de Provence)

Secrète Rosé (AOP Côtes de Provence): Pale-hued, with floral and citrus notes — a perfect summer aperitif

L’Essentielle Rosé (IGP Var): Bursting with strawberry and sweet spice, ideal for al fresco dining

Red Wines: Character and Depth

Dédicace Rouge (AOP Côtes de Provence): Deep and structured, with blackcurrant and spice — excellent with game or slow-cooked meats

Secrète Rouge (AOP Côtes de Provence)

L’Essentielle Syrah-Cabernet (IGP Var): Smooth and fruity, perfect with grilled red meats

White Wines: Freshness and Finesse

Secrète Blanc (AOP Côtes de Provence): 100% Rolle, with pineapple and lemon notes — ideal for sea bream or a refined aperitif

Divitis Blanc (AOP Côtes de Provence): Aged in oak and concrete egg tanks, offering complexity for gourmet pairings

L’Essentielle Blanc Rolle (IGP Var)

We also offer a wide selection of Bag-in-Box wines (3L, 5L, 10L) in rosé, red,
and white, across all three designations: IGP Var, AOP Côtes de Provence, and AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence.

Controlled Production in Montfort-sur-Argens

A Structured Cooperative

Les Caves du Commandeur produces around 30,000 hectoliters annually. Rosé wines account for 90% of total output, affirming our leadership in this iconic color of Provence.

A Strong Distribution Network

Our wines are sold through multiple channels:

- Direct-to-consumer at our wine shops in Montfort, Salernes, and Brignoles

- To professionals: wine merchants, restaurateurs, and export partners

This multi-channel approach allows us to meet a wide range of customer expectations — from local wine lovers to international markets.

Les caves du commandeur Montfort-sur-Argens Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence & IGP Var