Provence wine

Provence Wine

Map of the wine regions in Provence

Provence wine refers to the wines produced in the Provence region of southeastern France. This region is renowned for its rosé wines, although it also produces red and white wines. The history of winemaking in Provence dates back over 2,600 years, making it the oldest wine-producing region in France.

History

Provence has a rich history of winemaking that began with the Ancient Greeks who founded the city of Marseille in 600 BC. The

The Old Harbour of Marseille, a city with ancient winemaking traditions

The Romans later expanded the vineyards, and the region has been producing wine continuously since then. Over the centuries, the winemaking techniques have evolved, but the tradition of producing high-quality wines has remained a constant.

Wine Regions

Provence is divided into several wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and grape varieties.

Côtes de Provence

A bottle of Côtes de Provence red wine

The largest appellation in Provence, Côtes de Provence, is known for its diverse terroir and primarily produces rosé wines. The region also produces red and white wines, with grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault.

Bandol

A bottle of red Bandol wine

Bandol is famous for its robust red wines made predominantly from the Mourvèdre grape. The region's warm climate and limestone soils contribute to the distinctive character of its wines.

Les Baux-de-Provence

The picturesque village of Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence is a small appellation known for its organic and biodynamic viticulture. The wines from this region are typically blends of Grenache, Syrah, and other Mediterranean varieties.

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence

Vineyard in Aix-en-Provence

This region is located near the city of Aix-en-Provence and produces a variety of wines, including rosé, red, and white. The wines are often blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Styles

Provence is best known for its rosé wines, which account for the majority of the region's production. These wines are typically dry, with a pale pink color and flavors of red fruits and citrus.

Rosé Wines

A glass of Côtes de Provence rosé wine

Rosé wines from Provence are made using the saignée method or direct pressing, which gives them their characteristic light color and fresh taste.

Red Wines

Red wines from Provence are often full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark fruits and spices. The use of Mourvèdre in regions like Bandol gives these wines a distinctive structure and aging potential.

White Wines

While less common, white wines from Provence are made from grape varieties such as Rolle (also known as Vermentino), Ugni Blanc, and Clairette. These wines are typically fresh and aromatic.

Related Pages

• French wine
• Rosé wine
• Wine regions of France