Five Things You Didn’t Know About Provence

Tradition, expertise and elegant flavours that sing to the world’s palate are the hallmarks of Provence rosé wines, and it is no coincidence that today, Provence, a region where tradition, innovation and artistry converge, is the unrivalled cradle of rosé. However, from cutting-edge research to culinary flair, there’s far more to Provence than meets the eye.

1. The Rosé Whisperers

Provence is the only region in the world where rosé is front and centre, with over 90% of production dedicated to the crafting of this elixir. Home to a mosaic of different terroirs spanning across the appellations of Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence and Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, surroundings and flora, winemakers have perfected their art over generations. Unlike other regions, rosé is not an afterthought but a celebrated icon, embodying the very essence of the warm, southern French climate. Every bottle is a canvas painted with sun-drenched strawberries, gentle whispers of wild herbs, and a crisp finish that dances lightly on the palate.

2. More Than Just a Pretty Face

Rosé is often mistaken for a simple, pale companion to summer afternoons. In truth, it has evolved into a gastronomic marvel – rich, complex, and layered with flavours that unfold like a bouquet of summer blossoms, each wine reflecting the unique characteristics of its terroir. More recently, gastronomic rosé wines have started to appear on the wine lists of Michelin-starred establishments around the world. With ageing potential, wines are rich, structured and elegant, with layers of peach, grapefruit, and spice on a long, food-friendly finish. Crafted to elevate dining experiences, they are a perfect match for refined carpaccio, creamy seafood linguine and even rich meat dishes.

3. The Science Behind the Sip

Provence is home to the Centre du Rosé, the only research centre in the world dedicated to rosé. Built in 1999, this pioneering centre brings together oenologists, viticulturists, seasoned winemakers and expert tasters with the aim of maintaining Provence’s global leadership in rosé. Their mission is to refine vineyard practices and equip winemakers for the evolving demands of the climate and market, and to ensure that Provence continues to set the standard for rosé globally. A newer, larger Centre du Rosé will open its doors in 2027.

4. One of the greenest regions in France

Across the vineyards of Provence, the embrace of sustainability is as tangible as the warmth of its sun. Today, more than 60% of its vineyards are certified organic or HVE (High Environmental Value), reflecting the region’s philosophy of care. Almost the whole of Coteaux Varois en Provence is already organic or certified HVE, with the other appellations following closely in its footsteps. The region is constantly evolving, incorporating new regenerative viticulture practices, and working towards its ambition of 100% environmentally certified land by 2030. The aim is to produce pure, expressive wines that speak to the land’s colourful heritage.

5. Little Gems among the Big Stars

From Brad Pitt, George Clooney to Kylie Minogue, the sophistication and romance of Provence may have attracted a myriad of famous faces keen to create their very own rosé wines, but behind these famous names, over 500 independent winemakers have spent generations perfecting their craft. In hidden vineyards, as well as breathtaking wines, they celebrate the region’s unique art de vivre, offering art exhibitions, open-air concerts and even yoga. To taste a wine from Provence is to savour the epitome of elegance, craftsmanship and timeless savoir-faire, qualities that have long established it as the finest wine region in the world. And the further you look, the more you uncover.

Château Bellini Rosé 2024- Coteaux Varois en Provence
£19.60, 13% ABV

A luminous pale pink colour with a pure and expressive nose evoking notes of white peach, wild strawberry, pink grapefruit and bergamot. When aerated, elderflower notes complete the olfactory experience.

Château de Berne ‘Inspiration’ Rosé 2023- Côtes de Provence
£17, 13% ABV

Inspiration rosé has remarkable freshness due to the grapes having been picked at nighttime, when the heat of the day has dropped. Concentrated yet elegant, it exudes vibrant summer fruits with a hint of mango, and lively, balanced acidity. Match its freshness with lemony roast chicken sprinkled with Provençale herbs.

Domaine des Oullières ‘Harmonie’ Rosé 2024- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
£15.25, 13.5% ABV

This coral-pink rosé wine, from Domaine Oullières, has delicate raspberry and red berry scents and a crisp, dry finish. These wines have a real personality and a strong sense of ‘terroir’, delivering a savoury blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah.

Château Vignelaure Rosé 2024- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
£16.50, 13% ABV

A light, bright salmon colour rosé boasting an intense nose evoking berries, peach and ripe grapefruit. The mouth is very well balanced; a fine, refreshing and elegant structure.

Famille Negrel Mas de Cadenet Rosé 2023- Côtes de Provence
£19.95, 13% ABV

This light pink wine with a beautiful mineral freshness, reveals delicate aromas of citrus, red fruits and flowers. The mouth is elegant and fully balanced, with a crispy length. The bouquet is persistent throughout, offering a fruity and salty finish.

About Vins de Provence:

With 89% of its production consisting of rosé, the Vins de Provence vineyard is the world’s leading producer of rosé wines. Covering some 28,000 hectares of vineyards scattered across the foothills of the great Provencal massifs, such as Sainte-Victoire the Sainte-Baume, the Maures and the Estérel, it covers three protected designations of origin appellations d’origine (AOP): AOP Côtes de Provence, AOP Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and AOP Coteaux Varois en Provence. It brings together 479 independent producers, 58 cooperative cooperatives and 38 merchant producers. 133 million bottles of rosé were produced in Provence in 2024.

More information can be found at https://www.vinsdeprovence.com/en