Cotes de Provence
Cotes de Provence
An appellation lying in the south-east of the region of Provence, Cotes de Provence is responsible for nearly all of the production of Provence's light, salmon-coloured rose wine, made predominantly from Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre and often an aromatic sprinkling of local Tibouren. While an increasing amount of intriguing red wine is made in Cotes de Provence, 85 percent of the output is rose, and it these crisp, refreshing wines that have made the region famous. The appellation's varied terroirs of steep hills and coastal plains makes for a range of vineyard sites, and the wines vary accordingly. Traditionally a light pink, the best Cotes de Provence roses will burst with red fruit flavour, but their exuberant nature is often accompanied by sophisticated notes of watermelon, forest floor, savoury herbs and a gentle beguiling salinity.