Grands vins - Provence

Solar and holiday region, very appreciated for the quality of its great rosé wines. It would be sad to stop at those since its red and white wines would be worth your while. The vineyards spread over 28 500 hl and produce 1 200 000 hl with 75% of rosé wines. Three star appellations provide 95% of the production : Côtes-de-Provence, Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux-Varois.

Côtes-de-Provence

Widely spread appellation of 19 000 ha with vines located in three departments, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes Maritimes. They produce a majority of rosé wines, famous among wine lovers, but also quality red wines and white wines. It includes 18 grands crus classés : Château Sainte-Marguerite, Château de la Clapière, Domaine de l’Aumérade, Clos Cibonne, Domaine de Rimauresq, Château Roubine, Château du Galoupet, Château de Saint-Martin, Château Saint-Maur, Clos Mireille, Château de Selle, Château de Brégançon, Château de Mauvanne, Domaine de la Croix, Domaine du Noyer, Domaine du Jas d’Esclans.

Main grape varieties : Grenache, syrah, carignan, mourvèdre, tibouren, cinsaut, cabernet for red wines and rosés ; clairette, sémillon, ugni blanc, rolle for white wines.

Soils : Pebbles.

Style of wines :

Rosés : pale color, aromas of red fruits and notes of spices and liquorice.

Red wines : two types of red wines are produced : the first kind is light and supple with fruity and floral flavors, the second kind is powerful and complex with aromas of black fruits and spicy notes of garrigue.

White wines : well-balanced, delightful wines.

Bandol

Very ancient appellation, with vines spread over 1700 ha on the outskirts of Toulon, producing the three colors of wine, including great red wines.

Main grape varieties : Mourvèdre (at least 50%), grenache, cinsaut, syrah, carignan for red wines and rosés ; bourboulenc (at least 60%), clairette, ugni blanc for white wines.

Soils : Silica and limestone.

Style of wines :

Red wines : with at least 18 months in oak barrels, these great red wines are robust and aromatically complex with aromas of black fruits, garrigue and pine tree. With age, they develop flavors of peony, spices and liquorice.

Rosés : fruity aromas and herbal notes.

White wines : floral aromas of white and yellow fruits for these delicate wines.