Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provence wine

Provence can rightfully claim the largest and highest quality rosé wine production in the world. This rosé wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif and throughout a meal, summer or winter. Vineyards dedicated to rosé wine cover nearly 80% of the cultivated land in Provence. The region boasts nine protected designations of origin (AOCs).

The vineyards of Provence are the oldest in France: vines were introduced to the Mediterranean basin by the Greeks from the 5th century BC. The Mediterranean climate is the common denominator of a region that is very heterogeneous in terms of soils and grape varieties.

Beyond rosé wine, Provence is a region rich in the production of great red and white wines. The white wines are primarily produced on limestone soils, such as those found near the Sainte-Victoire Mountain , in Bandol , or in Cassis . The red wines are produced on various types of terrain, sometimes limestone, sometimes schist, or clayey sand.

Bandol

The Bandol appellation, located between Marseille and Toulon, encompasses numerous estates cultivating several grape varieties on limestone subsoils, some dating from the Quaternary period and others from the Triassic. The principal grape is Mourvèdre, used in the production of rosé wines and exceptional red wines intended for aging. Several prestigious estates, such as Château de Pibarnon , Domaine Tempier , and Domaine de Terrebrune, could claim Grand Cru Classé status, given the consistently high quality and excellence of their wines.

Palette

Palette is a micro-appellation of 26 hectares, located east of Aix-en-Provence. The limestone soils of Langesse originate from the scree slopes of Montagne Sainte-Victoire. The leading winemakers of the appellation include Château Simone. and Château Henri Bonnaud , which produces fine red, white and rosé wines.