Provence

Provence is one of France's oldest wine regions. From the sea to the fragrant Garrigue hills, the climate, soils, and distinct culinary culture shape Provence. Alongside many mass-produced wines, there are also the finest boutique wineries here. As fine wine merchants, we select wines that showcase the Provence wine region in all its diversity – elegant, straightforward, and authentic.

The Provence wine region extends east from the Rhône to the Italian border and encompasses a variety of appellations. Provence is known for dry rosés, but also for mineral white wines and spicy, full-bodied red wines.

Neben den Rosés entstehen in der Provence auch bemerkenswerte Rotweine. Besonders Bandol genießt einen exzellenten Ruf. Mourvèdre bestimmt dort die Cuvées und sorgt für Weine mit dunkler Beerenfrucht, Lakritz, Garrigue-Kräutern und großem Reifepotenzial. Trotz ihrer Kraft bewahren sie immer Frische und eine feine Struktur.

Auch die Rotweine der Côtes de Provence zeigen eine eigene Handschrift. Grenache und Syrah verleihen ihnen saftige Frucht, feine Würze und geschmeidige Tannine. Auch Cabernet Sauvignon ist oft Teil der Cuvée und sorgt für Struktur. Sie passen hervorragend zu Lamm, gegrilltem Gemüse oder der klassischen Küche Südfrankreichs.

Weniger bekannt, aber mindestens ebenso spannend sind die Weißweine der Provence. Rolle, auch als Vermentino bekannt, bildet häufig ihre Grundlage. Ergänzt durch Clairette, Bourboulenc oder Ugni Blanc entstehen Weine mit Aromen von Zitrusfrüchten, Birne und weißen Blüten, oft begleitet von einer feinen Mineralität, die an die Nähe des Mittelmeers erinnert. Sie harmonieren hervorragend mit Fisch, Meeresfrüchten und provenzalischen Vorspeisen. Ein Ort, der stellvertretend für diese Weißweine steht, ist Cassis.

The Provence Wine Region

Wine from Provence is characterized by very warm temperatures, yet Mistral winds provide cool, clear air and keep the grapes healthy. Nightly temperature drops, especially in higher vineyards, preserve acidity and give the wines elegance despite the warmth.

Soils and Altitudes Limestone, slate, gravel, and sandy terraces define the terroir of Provence. Near the coast, calcareous soils produce crisp, saline white wines, and the higher altitudes, in particular, provide additional freshness – crucial for the elegance of wines from Provence.

Côtes de Provence
Côtes de Provence is the largest and most prominent appellation. It produces Provence Rosé with a delicate color, stone fruit and citrus notes, often with a full-bodied texture. Grenache is frequently the main component of many blends, supported by Cinsault and Syrah. These rosés are clear, dry, and precise – ideal as a food pairing with Mediterranean cuisine.

Bandol
Bandol is known for more powerful rosés and characterful red wines. The wines are structured yet balanced and gain depth with some bottle aging.

Aix-en-Provence
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence produces approachable, fresh, and very popular rosés from Provence – the eponymous producer Aix enjoys great popularity, producing one of the world's most beloved rosé wines under that name.

Rosé: The Flagship
It is safe to say that Provence is synonymous with rosé wine enjoyment. One of the most famous producers on site, Domaine Ott, stands for the finest rosé wines, and at least since Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt started producing their Miraval rosé wine together with the Perrin winemaking family, Provence rosé has enjoyed worldwide recognition.

Red Wines
The red wines of Provence are elegant, herbaceous, and often dark in color. Grenache and Syrah define the aroma, while Mourvèdre adds depth. Harmonizes with grilled vegetables, lamb, or Mediterranean herbs.

White Wines
Coastal locations produce powerful, mineral white wines with citrus, herbs, and a delicate salinity. However, they are far less known than rosé and white wines.