Provence! The land of lavender, long lunches, and Mediterranean chic - where A list celebrities and members of the Eurotrash Elite can be seen rubbing shoulders in their superyachts anchored off the harbours of Cannes and St Tropez or in their villas in the hills of Eze overlooking the Med. The land has been kissed by the sun, the sea is Azure blue, pine trees are the best form of shade and crickets sing all night. It is also the home of the palest pink and most refreshing of Rose wines, Provencal Rose is on a skyward trajectory in terms of popularity, and luckily the quality is keeping up with the demand.
Hollywood stars, billionaires and some of the biggest winemaking families in the world have been investing in the area for a number of years.
It has however been producing fantastic wines for over 2,500 since the Ancient Greeks founded Marseille. It has exchanged hands between Greeks, Romans and Catalans over the years, all adding their vinicultural and winemaking influences. The Romans called the area ‘provincia nostra’ or ‘our province’, giving the famous area its name.
Today Rose wine accounts for over 80% of the total wine produced in Provence. These wines are fresh, crisp, bright and dry. The growing conditions are hot and sunny with cool evenings and the effect of the Mistral wind coming down from mountains in the north of the region helps to keep the vineyards dry and the skies clear. The main grape varietals used are Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.
Grenache: Provides the body and weight to the wine, and when enjoyed young can offer lovely elegant aromas of cherry and red currant.
Cinsault: A native varietal from the region often used for blends, giving both freshness and delicacy.
Syrah: Brings a touch of colour and a light hint of spice when used correctly.
