Profile of Provence, French Wine Region
Provence attracts countless romantics, wine lovers, gourmets and bon vivants each year and with good reason; its vivid landscapes and historic villages cannot fail to captivate anyone who steps foot into the region. Painters such as Van Gogh and Picasso were inspired by the luminous light and brilliant colours of Provence. As a wine region, it has come to the forefront in recent years with a number of exciting high quality small producers from the key appellations. The change has been dramatic in the last 10 years, with many quality-conscious winemakers bringing a new focus to meticulous grape growing and expressing the potential of their terroirs.
The region has arguably long been associated with large volumes of easy drinking rose (produced to appease sun seeking visitors), but this is changing for the better. Many small properties are vinifying smaller quantities of rose wines with real flair and style and the quality has never been higher. However, while rose remains the mainstay of wine production in Provence, exciting reds and some very well made whites have emerged in the last 15 years. The vast majority of central Provence is covered by the appellations Cotes de Provence and Coteaux Varois. Both appellations produce impressive quantities of rose but reds are increasingly taking centre stage too. Particularly, some excellent, structured and fruit driven reds are being produced from blends of Rhone varieties, and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon for good measure!
Moving further west, the visitor encounters the appellations of Coteaux d'Aix en Provence and the spectacularly sited vineyards of Les Baux de Provence. Many of the region's most avant garde winemakers can be found here, producing the next generation of Provence wines; intense, fruit driven reds that were hitherto rarely seen in the South of France. Domaine de Trevallon is one of the leading lights of the area, their Cabernet and Syrah blend one of the finest available. The use of new oak has become prolific although some traditionalists still age their wines in large, used oak vats. Whatever the approach an exciting array of different styles is emerging and the advancements in quality continue apace.
East of this large appellation we find the tiny area of Palette, with just over 40 hectares under vine for both red and white wines. Two established producers dominate the viticulture scene, Chateau Cremade and Chateau Simone, an estate of real quality and distinction. An extensive number of varieties can be planted, whilst increasing replanting is concentrated on Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. The hot, dry climate suits these varieties perfectly.
In the foothills of the Aples-Maritimes, just north of the city of Nice, is the the tiny appellation of Bellet. Its small size does not do its significance justice, however, as it offers some of the most interesting and unusual wines in Provence. With a mere 39 hectares under vine, quality not quantity is paramount here with well-structured reds, floral nutty whites and delicious roses taking precedence. The vineyards are planted at altitudes of some 300m which moderates the otherwise hot climate, ideal for ripening Chardonnay in what would otherwise prove to be unsuitable terroir. Some fine examples are made, which are often blended with the little known variety of Rolle.
The two coastal appellations of Cassis and Bandol between Marseilles and Toulon are reliable sources of red, white and rose. In Cassis, look out for the white wines - the best have a lovely finesse and are unique in France. While the whites and roses from Bandol are good, it is the reds you should really get excited about. Provence is undoubtedly famous for Bandol, in addition to its rose wines. Newcomers to Bandol are in for a treat as it is a wine of great fire and spice with a concentration and driving vigour like no other. The appellation is situated in the foothills just inland from the port of Bandol in a spectacular, natural coastal amphitheatre. The vineyards, many of them over 40 years old, stretch from the town of La Ciotat in the east to Sanary-sur-Mer in the west and enjoy a unique, warm and dry maritime climate. The terroir is surprisingly varied and the resulting wine style differs enormously, depending on the soils and local conditions. Gravel and clay soils suit the Mourvedre variety perfectly, producing rich, spicy and age-worthy wines. Established Bandol leaders Domaine Tempier and Chateau Pibarnon are now being joined by a new wave of small, high-quality grower. This is possibly the most exciting area to follow in Provence, although we must remember that these wines need and deserve time, often for up to a decade.
Provence has reinvented itself in the last 15 years and continues to do so, producing age-worthy red and white wines in addition to the well established formulae of sun-kissed rose. It's a heady experience to stand in Provence and savour the sights and smells of what is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. No surprise then that everybody who visits instantly succumbs to its charms. The wines of Provence invoke everything the region is famous for, a lust for life and the warmth of its inhabitants. Savour a glass of Bandol over a warm evening and smile - you're in Provence.
Recommended Wines
Bandol
Domaines Bunan, Chateau Pradeaux, Jean-Pierre Gaussen, Domaine La Bastide Blanche, Domaine Sorin, Domaine Tempier
Bellet
Chateau de Bellet
Coteaux d'Aix en Provence
Domaine Des Beates, Chateau Bas, Chateau Revelette, Chateau Romanin
Coteaux Varois
Chateau Routas
Cotes De Provence
Chateau De Rouet, Domaine du Clos Alari, Domaine de la Courtade, Domaine Du Grand Cros, La Badiane, Domaine Richeaume
Les Baux-de-Provence
Domaine Hauvette, Mas De La Dame
Palette
Chateau Simone
|
