Provence wines

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur has seven wine-producing areas, and the best way to understand them is to learn about the unique characteristics of each one. The Provence wine appellations are located in the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes. Broadly speaking, Provence white wines are floral and fruity, Provence rosés are dry and fruity, and Provence reds are full-bodied and tannic. Depending on the vintage, Provence rosés remain the best sellers, accounting for 88% of production, compared to 9% for reds and only 3% for whites.

PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR WINES' APPELLATIONS

The Provençal vineyards have around ten appellations spread over more than 27,000 hectares of vines between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Three appellations account for 96% of Provence wine production: 74% in Côtes de Provence, 16% in Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and 10% in Coteaux Varois. Provence also produces Vins de Pays, now known as IGP, of which there are several depending on the geographical area of origin and production. The specific characteristics of certain soils in the Côtes-de-Provence appellation have also led to the subdivision of the regional appellation: the Dénominations Géographiques de Terroir ou de Climat (DGC). There are five ‘super appellations’: DGC Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Notre-Dame des Anges and Pierrefeu.

Côtes de Provence

The Côtes de Provence appellation covers more than 20,000 hectares, 28% of which are certified organic or HVE (High Environmental Value). It alone produces 868,000 hectolitres, or 116 million bottles per year. Côtes de Provence has been a recognised appellation since 1977 and boasts rich limestone terroir in the north and west and crystalline terroir in the south and east. Superb vineyards have made the reputation of the Côtes de Provence, such as Château Sainte-Marguerite in La Londe, Château Minuty in Gassin and Miraval in Correns, for example.

Coteaux Varois

Coteaux Varois en Provence, often referred to as Coteaux Varois, is a 3,000-hectare appellation. Surprisingly, more than half (57%) of this area is certified organic or HVE (High Environmental Value). This appellation has existed since 1993. The vines grow at altitude on often limestone soils and benefit from a continental climate (springs and autumns are relatively mild, while summers are very hot and winters very harsh). Château des Annibals has been established here since 1772 and produces wines that are very pleasant to drink.

Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence wines account for around 60% of the Bouches-du-Rhône vineyards. Chateau Revelette is particularly renowned for producing excellent wines under this appellation.

Bouches-du-Rhône

The Bouches-du-Rhône department has an undeniable number of different appellations, the main one being Coteaux d'Aix. There are also the superb high-altitude wines of the Alpilles and Baux de Provence, as well as the Bouches-du-Rhône PGIs, of course. The mountainous terrain of this wine-growing area generally produces wines with character, made from classic Mediterranean blends (Syrah, Cabernet, Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Bourboulenc, among others).

Bellet

Between the sea and the mountains, the little-known Bellet appellation is nestled on the hillsides west of Nice. It is unique for its puddingstone terroir (ancient pebbles and stones agglomerated into rock) and its indigenous grape varieties, Folle Noire and Braquet, which are used to produce red and rosé wines. The 650 hectares of Bellet also produce white wines, mainly from Chardonnay and Rolle.

Cassis

Cassis is one of the oldest appellations in Provence and in France, having been created in 1936. The 210 hectares of this tiny appellation are spread across the commune of Cassis, not far from the sea. White wine accounts for 80% of the appellation's production and is recognised for its lovely minerality and fruity character. Rosé wines are also produced, as well as a small percentage of red wines. The iconic estates of Cassis need no introduction: Château de Fontcreuse, Domaine du Paternel and Château Barbanau.

Palette

Palette is a tiny appellation covering around 45 hectares near Aix-en-Provence. It is best known for its woody, structured and intense wines. The Palette appellation has existed since 1948, and some estates still perpetuate the traditions of that era in their winemaking. True gastronomic wines, Palette wines are completely different from the wines of Provence that we all know. The perfect example is Château Simone, where wine has been made since the 16th century.

Bandol

The jewel in the crown of Provence's wine industry, the Bandol appellation is located in an amphitheatre of terraced vineyards close to the sea. Its 1,600 hectares mainly produce tannic and complex red wines from the appellation's flagship grape variety: Mourvèdre. It is also used to produce rich and deep rosé wines for everyday drinking. The proportion of white wines is low in Bandol, but they are well known and highly appreciated for their freshness and aromatic bouquet.

Baux de Provence

The Baux de Provence appellation covers 250 hectares in the Bouches du Rhône department. There are two particular climatic trends in this region: the white mistral and the black mistral, which balance each other out rather well. Red wines are best known, but white and rosé wines are also produced in this appellation. These are full-bodied, fragrant wines that can be cellared for up to ten years.

PGI

PGIs (Protected Geographical Indications) identify wines that have been produced entirely within a specific geographical area: PGI Var or PGI Méditerranée, PGI Alpilles, PGI Bouches-du-Rhône, for example. This provides protection for these wines at national and international level. IGP wines are therefore just as high in quality; it is simply a different level of appellation when compared to an AOP.

THE GRAPE VARIETIES OF PROVENCE WINES

Provence boasts an impressive diversity of grape varieties and therefore types of wine. These include Rolle, the emblematic grape variety of Provence wines, as well as Clairette, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Sémillon among the region's white grape varieties. They bring freshness, fragrance, balance or finesse depending on their specific characteristics. In terms of rosé and red wines, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan are found in Provence. As a little bonus, Tibouren is also found, but only in certain areas, as it is an old grape variety that is gradually coming back into fashion. These Provence grape varieties produce wines with a floral and/or fruity bouquet, some structured and spicy, others fresh and refined. The advantage is that there is something for everyone!