Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur wines

Grape-growing in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur was introduced by the Phocaeans, and developed in this former Greek colony by the Romans. A common feature of much of France's vineyards, viticulture was maintained in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, after the fall of the Empire, by the many monastic productions and then by the great noble families who settled in the region. Affected by phylloxera, the vineyards of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur gradually recovered from this crisis during the 20th century. Today, production is protected by various appellations, including the regional appellations of Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois, and precious local appellations such as Bandol, Palette, Cassis or Bellet.

The vineyards of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur stretch across the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, particularly around Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Toulon. The climate is obviously Mediterranean, hot and dry. However, the Mistral, a violent wind, brings precious benefits to this terroir. In summer, it brings a certain coolness. As a very dry wind, it protects the vines of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur from moisture-related diseases.

The grape varieties used to produceProvence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur red and rosé wines are mainly Syrah, Grenache, Mouvèdre, Carignan and, native to the region, Cinsault and Tibouren. Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur white wines are made with grape varieties of Italian origin, such as Rolle and Ugni blanc, or of local origin, such as Clairette.

Discover the estates in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region: Simone, Saint Maur, Fontcreuse, Romanin, Château de Bellet, Pibarnon, Miraval, Mas de la Dame, Trevallon, Bagnol, Terres Blanches, Bormettes, Barbanau, Richeaume, Minuty, Bastide Blanche, Dalmeran, Sainte Roseline, Clos Sainte Magdeleine, Courtade, Revelette, Suffrene