Wines of Southern France (I) - Provence

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Going further down the river Rhone, you will reach the heart of Southern France, the region bordering the French Mediterranean coast.

Photo credits: CIVP/F.MILLO

This region can be divided into three parts from west to south: Roussillon, Languedoc and Provence, although Languedoc-Roussilon can be seen as one region.

Although it is traditionally a region producing common table wines (Vin de Table), it has the geographic potential and a reliable climate to make quality wines.

Therefore, as sales for table wines have dropped sharply in recent years, Southern France as a region has undergone a rapid modernisation process and many appellations are now producing lower-yield wines with a higher quality.

Provence

East of the River Rhone is Provence, a region traditionally famous for its rosés, which are usually enjoyed chilled, and welcomed by tourists visiting the Riviera resorts. In recent years, more wine makers in Provence have started making serious rosés and quality red wines.

The key grape varieties include Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren. Cotes de Provence is the most significant AC, whereas Bandol AC is known for producing reds of the highest quality in Provence.

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