Provence

Provence, located in the southeast of France, is one of the oldest wine-producing regions, known for its sun-drenched vineyards, Mediterranean climate, and exceptional terroirs. The region's wines are often defined by their elegance, finesse, and freshness, offering a broad range of styles, from light rosés to more structured reds and aromatic whites.

Main Grapes:

• Grenache: One of the primary red grape varieties, producing wines with ripe fruit flavors, such as strawberry and cherry, along with a touch of spice.
• Syrah: Known for its blackberry and pepper notes, Syrah adds structure and depth to red wines, often contributing to more spicy and full-bodied profiles.
• Mourvèdre: Another key red grape, Mourvèdre brings dark fruit, herbaceous, and earthy flavors, providing depth and complexity, particularly in blends.
• Cinsault: Often used in blends, Cinsault adds freshness, floral aromas, and a delicate texture to wines, especially rosés.
• Vermentino (Rolle): A key white grape variety in Provence, producing wines with citrus and herbaceous aromas, with a refreshing acidity.
• Roussanne: Known for its aromatic complexity, Roussanne produces wines with notes of honeysuckle, apricot, and a touch of spice.

Wine Styles:

• Rosé Wines: Provence is synonymous with rosé wines, which are light, fresh, and often delicate, with flavors of citrus, strawberry, peach, and subtle floral notes. They are ideal for pairing with Mediterranean cuisine or as an aperitif.
• Red Wines: The red wines of Provence are typically medium-bodied and fruit-driven, often with flavors of red berries, herbs, and spices. They are crafted from varieties like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with some wines showing great potential for aging.
• White Wines: Provence's white wines are characterized by freshness, minerality, and herbal notes. Vermentino, Roussanne, and Ugni Blanc are common varieties used to produce wines that are crisp, aromatic, and ideal with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.

Main Appellations in Provence:

• Côtes de Provence: The largest and most renowned appellation in the region, producing a wide variety of wines, with a strong focus on rosé. The wines are light, refreshing, and often display citrus and berry flavors, making them perfect for casual dining or warm weather occasions.
• Bandol: Known for its powerful red wines, Bandol is famous for its Mourvèdre-based blends that offer dark fruit flavors and earthy undertones, often with good aging potential. The region also produces full-bodied rosés and aromatic whites.
• Cassis: A small but prestigious appellation, Cassis is famous for its white wines made from Clairette and Marsanne. These wines are aromatic, minerally, and pair well with seafood.
• Les Baux de Provence: A relatively small appellation producing both reds and whites, Les Baux de Provence wines are known for their intensity, elegance, and herbal character. The reds are blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, while the whites are typically fresh and aromatic.
• Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence: This appellation produces a range of wines, from fresh and fruity rosés to structured reds and delicate whites, with Grenache and Syrah playing key roles in the red blends.

Food Pairings:

• Rosé Wines: Perfect with grilled vegetables, salads, seafood, and light meats like chicken or lamb. They also pair beautifully with Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and niçoise salad.
• Red Wines: The reds from Provence pair well with grilled meats, roast lamb, charcuterie, and dishes with herbs like Provençal lamb stew or beef Provençal.
• White Wines: These wines are excellent with fish, shellfish, goat cheese, and dishes like grilled sea bass, risotto, or pasta with pesto.

The Provençal Terroir:

Provence's terroir is shaped by its Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and generous sunshine that helps produce ripe, expressive wines. The region also benefits from the Mistral wind, which helps maintain healthy grapevines and preserve the freshness of the wines. The varied soils, including limestone, schist, and clay, contribute to the complexity and minerality of the wines.

Discover our selection of Provençal wines, showcasing the region's rich heritage and diverse terroirs. From the refreshing rosés to the more robust reds and elegant whites, Provençal wines offer a unique taste of the Mediterranean and are perfect for any occasion.