Collection: Buy Provence wines

Provence : sun and rosés...but not only

The wine region of Provence, located in the southeast of France, is globally renowned for its rosé wines, most of which have a pale color and offer an elegant and refreshing aroma. Indeed, the region produces 90% of rosé wines (and 40% of France's rosés), but as you will see, white wines and red wines from Provence are also worth discovering, often with excellent value for money !

Moreover, the dry and sunny climate means that a significant portion of Provence's wine production (more than 25%) is certified as organic farming. Finally, with its rich soils and ancestral winemaking expertise, Provence offers an incredible diversity of grape varieties, appellations, types of wines, and terroirs. A brief tour of the area. The grape varieties of Provence The grape varieties cultivated in Provence are in harmony with the region's sunny climate. Among the most common red varieties, we find Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and also Tibouren. These allow for the production of most of the region's red and rosé wines. For white wines, Rolle (Vermentino), Clairette, Sémillon, and Ugni Blanc are the most widespread grape varieties.

  A very wide variety of wine styles exists in Provence. Thus, while pale rosés with light aromas of citrus and red fruits are the most common type, one can also find terroir rosés with a very deep color that pair wonderfully with white and red meats.

Similarly, in both white and red, it is possible to find easy-drinking wines with a smooth, fruity and refreshing profile, but also powerful wines with excellent aging potential  and expressing complexity and aromatic richness. No shortcuts then, all styles are present ! 

The terroirs and appellations of Provence

We distinguish two major geological groups in Provence : one limestone and the other crystalline (schists, granites). The latter category, less common, is mainly found by the sea while the other covers most of the region.

From an appellation point of view , The AOC Côtes-de-Provence (Domaine La Navicelle, Château Sainte-Marguerite, Domaine Figuière etc.) is the largest (20 100 hectares) and the most famous in the region. It mainly produces rosé wines but also red and white wines. Two other regional appellations are alongside it : the AOC Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence (4,127 hectares) and Coteaux Varois (2 633 hectares).

Other renowned appellations also exist in Provence. For example, we can mention Bandol  (domaine Tempier), producing fleshy and gourmet rosés, powerful reds, as well as spicy white wines, Palette (Château Simone), a very small appellation with only three producers, or Cassis, Bellet, and Les Baux-de-Provence.

Finally, several IGPs also exist, accounting for nearly a third of the entire regional production. The most well-known is the IGP Méditerranée, covering all the Provençal terroirs, but other smaller ones also exist like the IGPs of Alpilles, Mont-Caume, and Maures.

In conclusion, the wine region of Provence is a true paradise for wine lovers. With its range of grape varieties, diverse types of wines, and terroirs, it offers a unique wine experience. Whether it's to taste a delicious rosé, savor a powerful red paired with a Provençal dish, or explore the aromatic nuances of a fresh white, Provence will satisfy the most discerning palates. Set out to discover it and don't hesitate to seek advice from La Cave Éclairée