The Mediterranean Renaissance

Along France's Mediterranean coast, from the Spanish border to the Italian frontier, stretches the country's most dynamic wine region. This is where ancient meets modern, where volume meets quality, where tradition meets revolution. The Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence together produce more wine than the entire United States, yet only recently have they emerged from the shadow of France's more famous regions.

For centuries, this was France's wine lake—vast quantities of undistinguished wine that filled European tables and fueled industrial workers. But a transformation began in the 1980s that continues today. Pioneers recognized that this diverse landscape of mountains, garrigues (wild herb-covered hills), and coastal plains could produce wines of real distinction. They were right.

Today, the Mediterranean south offers France's most exciting wine scene. Young winemakers from around the world arrive seeking affordable land and freedom from restrictive appellations. Natural wine thrives in the sunny climate. Ancient varieties are being rescued from extinction. And yes, Provence has convinced the world that rosé is serious wine.