Wines
Welcome to the Provence Wine Region of France
Introduction: Provence’s Terroir
Located in the southeast of France and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, the Provence region is not only famous for its lavender fields and sun-kissed beaches but also for its world-class vineyards. The climate, soil and sun create a combination that makes Provence the ideal location for wine making.
Climate: A Viticulturist’s Dream
Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by abundant sunshine, dry weather, and a steady breeze from the sea. This climate ensures that grapes receive plenty of sunlight for optimal ripening, while the cool evenings help maintain the grapes' acidity, crucial for producing balanced wines. The strong Mistral wind is also a defining feature of the region's climate. This cold, northwesterly wind helps to naturally keep the vines free of pests and diseases by drying out moisture quickly, reducing the need for chemical treatments and promoting organic and sustainable vineyard practices.
Soil Diversity: The Foundation of Flavor
The soil in Provence is as varied as its landscape, ranging from clay to sandy soils, with a significant presence of limestone and schist. This diversity allows a wide variety of grapes to flourish, each adding its unique character to the wines.
Grape Varieties Thriving in Provence
Grenache:
One of the most widely planted grapes in Provence, especially for rosés.
It contributes robust red fruit flavors and alcohol content to the wines.
Syrah:
Known for adding structure and spicy notes,
Syrah is often blended with Grenache and other varieties to create a complex reds and some rosés.
Cinsault:
Cinsault grapes add softness and aromatics to the rosé blends.
Mourvèdre:
Mostly used in red wine blends. It provides tannin, color, and a plummy flavor profile.
Tibouren:
Used in rosé to add floral and spicy notes.
Rolle: Adds vibrancy and citrus aromas to Provence's white blends.
Key Wine Varieties
Rosé:
Provence is renowned globally for its rosé wines, which are typically crisp, dry, and refreshing.
These wines are perfect for a sunny day and pair beautifully with the Mediterranean cuisine.
Red:
While less famous than the rosés, the red wines of Provence are rich and full-bodied,
often made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
Whites:
The white wines are a rarer find but are characterized by their aromatic, floral, and citrus notes.
Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC)
The AOC regulates the grape varieties and locations of vineyards. There are over 300 members. Some of the majore ones include:
Côtes de Provence: The largest AOC, known for its rosés.
Bandol: Prestigious for its deep, structured reds that age well.
Cassis: Noted for its elegant white wines.
Vineyard's in the area
There are many wonderful vineyards in the area. In Provence you can go from vineyard to vineyard tasting different wines while learning from those who make them.
