Provence: More Than Rosé

The Rosé Revolution

Provence makes 40% of France's rosé and has convinced the world that pink wine is serious. But this success masks incredible diversity—from coastal vineyards to alpine slopes, from ancient varieties to cutting-edge winemaking.

The revolution started in the 1970s when pioneers realized that Provence's climate, soils, and varieties could produce elegant rosés rather than rustic ones. Technology helped: temperature control, gentle pressing, and careful blending created the pale, delicate style now copied worldwide.

Provence's Appellations

Côtes de Provence: The giant - 75% of Provence production - Three sub-zones: Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe - Not just rosé—reds and whites excel - Try: Château d'Esclans (€15-150), Domaine Tempier (€40-60)

Bandol: Mourvèdre's masterpiece - Terraced amphitheater facing sea - Minimum 50% Mourvèdre for reds - Age-worthy, complex wines - Exceptional rosés too - Try: Château Pradeaux (€30-40), Domaine du Gros'Noré (€25-35)

Cassis: White wine surprise - Not the blackcurrant liqueur - Limestone cliffs, sea influence - Whites from Marsanne, Clairette - Perfect with bouillabaisse - Try: Clos Sainte Magdeleine (€25-35), Domaine du Paternel (€20-30)

Palette: Tiny excellence - Just 100 acres near Aix-en-Provence - Château Simone dominates - Unique varieties preserved - Age-worthy across all colors - Try: Château Simone (€50-80), Château Crémade (€30-40)

Les Baux de Provence: Organic haven - 100% organic/biodynamic required by 2025 - Red wine focus unusual for Provence - Innovative producers - Try: Domaine de Trévallon (€60-80), Château Romanin (€25-35)

Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence: Diverse middle ground - Surrounds Aix - All three colors - Good value territory - Try: Château Vignelaure (€20-30), Château de Beaupré (€15-25)

Coteaux Varois en Provence: The insider's choice - Inland, higher altitude - Cooler climate, fresh wines - All colors, great values - Try: Château Routas (€10-20), Domaine du Deffends (€12-18)

Beyond Pink: Provence's Other Colors

While rosé dominates, Provence's reds and whites deserve attention:

Red Wines: - Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler sites - Old vine Grenache and Carignan - Mourvèdre's power in Bandol - Food-friendly, moderate alcohol

White Wines: - Rolle (Vermentino) leads the charge - Clairette and Ugni Blanc tradition - Marsanne and Roussanne excellence - Fresh, mineral, Mediterranean