Provence
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Provence is a wine region and a historical province in south-east France.
The region extends from the Rhône river in the west to the Italian border at the east, and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Provence is best known for the quality (and quantity) of its rosé wines and for its warm climate.
The Rhône at Avignon
Rosé Wines
Provence is internationally known for its production of high-quality rosé wines. utilizing a variety of grape varieties, including Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah and others, to create refreshing and aromatic rosé wines with a pale pink hue.
Red and White Wines
While rosé is the flagship, Provence also produces red and white wines.
Red wines feature a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, while white wines are typically made from grapes like Rolle (Vermentino), Clairette, and Ugni Blanc.
Appellations
Source: Vins de Provence
Côtes de Provence (1977)
Côtes de Provence is the largest and most well-known appellation within Provence.
Côtes de Provence, with more than 350 independent vineries, produces a significant portion of the region's rosé wines, as well as red and white wines.
The appellation covers a diverse range of terroirs, from coastal vineyards to inland hillsides.
Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (1985)
Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence is Provence's second-largest appellation, located around the city Aix-en-Provence.
The red wines and rosé wines are made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, and Counoise, with Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon permitted.
The white wines are dominated by Rolle (Vermentino) which must represent at least 50% of any blend. Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc must make up at least 30%.
Bandol (1941)
The Bandol appellation, located near the coastal town of Bandol, is particularly known for its red wines made primarily from Mourvèdre.
Bandol reds are robust, full-bodied, and age-worthy, showcasing the complexity and depth of this grape variety.
Palette (1948)
Palette is a smaller appellation inside Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.
It is known for its historic vineyards and is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Provence.
It produces both red and white wines characterized by elegance and finesse.
Because of the local soils, Palette's wines stand out from those of the larger appellations Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence surronding it.
Provence
Rosé Wines:
Red Wines:
White Wines:
Fortified Wines: