Wines of the region : Provence
AOC Baux de Provence
This appellation has only been recognized since 1995 and is distributed on 8 municipalities of the Alpilles region.
The AOC « Baux de Provence » has restricted production because of it has a rather small surface of 350 ha. This appellation produces red wines which have the capacity to be kept for a few years (less than 10 years) however their rosés can be enjoyed without prolonged preservation.
The AOC « Baux de Provence » has restricted production because of it has a rather small surface of 350 ha. This appellation produces red wines which have the capacity to be kept for a few years (less than 10 years) however their rosés can be enjoyed without prolonged preservation.
The AOC Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
The Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence known for its production of rosé and red wine became AOC in 1985. The AOC from this region extends on 4000ha. Rosé production dominates the total production of wine
from this region constituting 82% of its appellations. White wines are also produced from this region but are much more rare.
The main wines are:
The main wines are:
- For white wines: sparkling white wine, rolle, bourboulenc, ugni white, grenache, sémillon, and sauvignonbr
- For the red wines and rosés: Grenache, cabernet-sauvignon, carignan, mourvèdre, cinsault, syrah and counoise.
AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence
The Coteaux Varois have had the AOC appellation since 1993 and is spread across 28 municipalities. This region produces an average of 125 000 hectoliters on a surface of 2500 hectares. The
production concentrates exclusively on rosés and with white and red wines constituting only 10% of its total production.
The principle grape varieties are the syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault, sauvignon Cabernet for rosé and red wines. The white wines are made clairette blanc vines, grenache, rolle, sémillon and ugni blanc.
The principle grape varieties are the syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault, sauvignon Cabernet for rosé and red wines. The white wines are made clairette blanc vines, grenache, rolle, sémillon and ugni blanc.
AOC Cassis
This AOC made from Black currant is one of three appellations given by the National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO) in 1936. The territory extends on approximately 210 hectares of land.
This AOC produces renowned white wine recognised for being delicate and fruity. This region also produces red and rosés wines. The main ones are:
- Whites: clairette, ugni blanc, sauvignon, marsanne, bourboulenc.
- Red and Rosé: grenache, carignan, mourvèdre, cinsault
Palette AOC
This wine is the smallest AOC from Provence grown on only 46 hectares of vineyards. Even though the vineyards are medieval Palette wines were only classified as AOC in 1948.
Only 3 regions have this AOC, Aix-en-Provence, Meyreuil and Tholonet.
It produces wonderful red wines and rosés full of character. Its white wine is also considered one of the best Provence has to offer.
Only 3 regions have this AOC, Aix-en-Provence, Meyreuil and Tholonet.
It produces wonderful red wines and rosés full of character. Its white wine is also considered one of the best Provence has to offer.
Bandol AOC
The Bandol AOC is one of the oldest vineyards in France and is limited to 8 municipalities spread across approximately 1550 hectares. This red wine is the signature product of this AOC, known for
its powerful character and its complexity.
The appellation also produces white and rosé wines in fewer quantities. The Mouvèdre is the principle vine for their red and rosé wines, you also find the grenache, cinsault, syrah and the carignan.
For the white wines the principle vine is the bourboulenc, you also find the clairette and ugni blanc.
The appellation also produces white and rosé wines in fewer quantities. The Mouvèdre is the principle vine for their red and rosé wines, you also find the grenache, cinsault, syrah and the carignan.
For the white wines the principle vine is the bourboulenc, you also find the clairette and ugni blanc.