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Provence is more than postcards and pale pink wine. In this episode, Joanne unpacks the landscape, climate, history, grapes, and key appellations that define Provence today. You will hear how a region famous for rosé has invested in research, navigates fierce winds, and still makes serious reds and characterful whites along a very glamorous coastline.

• Provence produces about 90% rosé. Classic style is very pale, light to medium bodied, dry, with delicate red fruit.

• History matters: viticulture since 600 BCE, recovery after phylloxera aided by the railroad, and a long tradition of rosé.

• Climate: Mediterranean, about 3,000 hours of sun and roughly 27 inches of rain per year, most in winter. The Mistral lowers disease pressure and supports organic viticulture.

• Research: Home to the Centre du Rosé, which also studies climate adaptation, grape choices, and harvest strategies.

• Grapes: Grenache (~38%), Cinsault (~19%), Syrah (~16%) lead. Old-vine Carignan and Mourvèdre contribute to reds and structured rosé. Whites often feature Rolle (Vermentino) and Clairette.

• Style spectrum: Fresh, delicate rosé to age-worthy “Grand Rosé” or “Rosé à conserver.” Reds range from fruity to full-bodied and barrel matured. Characterful coastal whites.

• Design and market: Proprietary bottle shapes and high tourism visibility. Celebrity and luxury ownership have raised the profile.

Côtes de Provence AOC

• Founded 1977. About 20,100 ha planted. Roughly 72% of Provence production. About 91% rosé.

• Rosé primarily from Cinsault and Grenache. Up to 20% white grapes allowed in rosé blends.

• Whites include Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, and Rolle.

Three coastal pockets

• Bandol AOC: South-facing terraced slopes that capture heat. Mourvèdre thrives. Premium reds are dark, full-bodied, powerful in tannin. Minimum 18 months in oak. Best with a few years of bottle age. Distinctive rosé and some whites are also produced.

• Cassis AOC: First AOC here (1936). Striking terraces above the sea. Known for characterful whites and elegant rosé.

• Bellet AOC: Small enclave near Nice with mineral-driven wines.

IGP Méditerranée

• Shared with parts of the Rhône and Corsica. Allows flexible blending and wider sourcing for styles outside strict AOC frameworks.

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