When we think of Provence, we can’t help but imagine ourselves on a terrace or by the pool, with a glass of rosé wine that quenches your first with its freshness and fruity aromas. But Provence is also about red wines that warms us up in winter thanks to their strong and robust character; or white wines that spoil us with their subtlety and finesse, while leaving room for a generous and well-structured material, filled with notes of spicy citrus.
It is this balance that we love in the wines of Provence, there’s a bottle of wine for every occasion! With grape varieties such as Syrah or Grenache, red wines are usually intense and spicy. Try out a garlic rabbit with a glass of Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence. As for white wines, a tuna tartare will enhance the aromatic power of a white Côtes de Provence. And for dessert, a rosé wine would be perfect with an apple crumble… whatever your choice is, raise your glass and discover the delight of the bright colors of the Mediterranean!
This Mediterranean know-how of the Provencal vineyard existed for many centuries, even before the arrival of the Greeks in 600 BC. But it was first the Greeks, followed by the Romans, who introduced these systematic cultivation and pruning techniques in Provence. The region has 3000 hours of sunshine a year and very little rain. It also has an incredible variety of soil types and this is reflected in the many grape varieties cultivated. These grape varieties gave birth to ten prestigious appellations: Bandol, Bellet, Cassis, Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence, Côte de Pierrevert, Côtes-de-Provence, Côtes de Provence-Sainte Victoire, Coteaux varois, Les Baux de Provence and Palette.
According to the professional association Vins de Provence, the region represents 6% of the total production of French AOC wines for all types of wines. Provence is the leading French producer of AOC rosé wines with 40% of the national production and 5.6% of the world production of rosé wines. For your summer pleasure or for a sunset after your hike in Montagne Sainte-Victoire, we would recommend a Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence or a Bandol!
The Provence vineyard extends over most of the Provence region. From Nice to Avignon, this vineyard distinguishes itself by its variety of soils and its climate. But also by its powerful and robust red wines. On the other hand, its generous and fine white wines are surprising.
The Provence vineyard is divided into 9 distinct AOCs (Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée). Each area has its own geology and climate.
The AOC Côtes-de-Provence is made of 84 communes in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments. The grape varieties benefit from sandstone, schist, limestone and marl soils. In addition, the Mediterranean climate produces dry winters and summers, as well as rainy autumns and springs.
Then comes the AOC Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence. Located between the Méditerranée and the Durance, the cities are crossed by the Mistral wind. The terroir is made of clay, limestone and sand.
The Coteaux-des-Baux-de-Provence appellation, divided into 6 communes, is located at the foot of the Alpilles massif in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The grape varieties grow in stony soil. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the winters are mild and dry and the summers are hot and dry.
The Coteaux-varois-en-Provence appellation is surrounded by the Rians plateau, the Monts du Toulonnais, the Mont Aurélien and the Barre de Saint-Quinis. The AOC is crossed by a temperate Mediterranean climate. Its soils are mainly made of limestone, clay and marl.
The AOC Pierrevert is nestled between the vineyards of the Côtes-de-Provence and the Rhone Valley. In this part of France, the summer is hot and dry. And the winters are cool, which poses a risk of frost.
The 8 communes constituting the Bandol AOC are located in the Beausset basin. Its soil is made of sandy marl and calcariferous sandstone. The climate of this production area offers beautiful sunshine and cool periods at night.
The Cassis appellation is located 20 kilometres east of Marseille. The climatic conditions on site present rare frosts and great sunshine seasons. Its terroir is characterized by a diversity of brown soils.
The Bellet appellation is surrounded by Nice and the left bank of the Var. The grapes generally grow on powdered or sandstone.
Finally, there's the AOC Palette. Its 3 communes are nestled in the Tholonet circus, not far from Aix-en-Provence. The mistral wind blowing over the northern part of the AOC leads to late harvests. The grape varieties mainly grow on limestone soils.
During your visit to the Provence vineyards, learn about the cultivation of the grape, its processing and bottling. There is nothing better than visiting one of the local vineyards.
Between La Crau and Hyères is the Château les Mesclances. The owners will be pleased to tell you more about the Provence wines. They will also tell you about their terroir AOC Le Côtes-de-Provence La Londe.
Between Marseille and Arles, another castle awaits for you: Calavon. Located in the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation, this estate will provide valuable information about the Provence wines.
Beverages produced by the wine region can be enjoyed on any occasion. After a long hike in which you will take the opportunity to buy some Provence wines, enjoy an AOC Bandol or a Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence.
As for food and wine pairings, Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence red is perfect with garlic rabbit. And if you want white wine, go for Coteaux-de-Provence, ideal with tuna tartar. You will appreciate these ideas for your purchases of Provence wines.
Passing through this beautiful region? Visit the wine estates of Provence.
