Provence
The vineyards of Provence extend over 29,000 hectares along 200 km of Mediterranean coastline, covering the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and part of Alpes-Maritimes. Surrounded by Mont Sainte-Victoire, the Sainte-Baume massif, the Maures massif and the Esterel massif, the terroir is divided into two main geological zones: garrigues on limestone soils to the west and north, and crystalline maquis composed of schist and granite to the south and east. The soils are poor but well-drained, and vegetation provides little humus. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, and the influence of the Mistral wind, which purifies the vines, is a major asset for this wine-growing region.
The main grape varieties for red wines include Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, often complemented by Carignan and Cinsault, as well as a few autochthonous varieties such as Tibouren or Braquet. White wines include Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne, as well as Rolle (or Vermentino), Ugni Blanc and Clairette. Although renowned for its rosés, Provence also produces excellent natural red wines, powerful and structured, as well as well-balanced, aromatic natural whites, marked by floral and fruity notes.
The main grape varieties for red wines include Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, often complemented by Carignan and Cinsault, as well as a few autochthonous varieties such as Tibouren or Braquet. White wines include Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne, as well as Rolle (or Vermentino), Ugni Blanc and Clairette. Although renowned for its rosés, Provence also produces excellent natural red wines, powerful and structured, as well as well-balanced, aromatic natural whites, marked by floral and fruity notes.