Provence, France’s First Wine Region

Did you know that Provence has 26 centuries of history!  It all started with the Greeks introducing grape vines to their newly founded city of Marseille, in the south of present day France.  Around 200 BC the Romans came and settled “Provincia Romana,” which soon became just Provence.  As the Roman empire expanded, they took grapevines to other parts of France, such as the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.  During the Middle Ages, the monks and noble families of Provence got more involved and production boomed.  Throughout this history, rosé wine was being made in Provence.  This is because the method of macerating red grapes, which gives red wine its color, was unknown, or at least very uncommon.  The wine made from red grapes was therefore rosé here in Provence, but also most places.  By the17th century the methods to make darker red wines were known and practiced in several wine regions, but Provence stayed true to its history and production of rosé, where it is 90% of its volume.  The main grapes used in modern Provence rosé are Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Counoise.  The grapes are specifically grown for rosé, picked earlier than for red wines, and often go “direct-to-press,” a method to preserve the freshness and delicate character of the fruit.  This method is synonymous with the pale salmon color that is characteristic of a Provence rosé that is light, elegant, and dry.  While many wine regions are slowing in growth and sales, Provence rosé has tripled in the last 25 years.  Provence rosé is drank all year long now, especially in warm cities like Los Angeles, and pairs great with seafood, chicken, veggies, and cheese.  We have Provence rosé available at both Vintage and Buvette so come enjoy the light-colored wine with the ancient history!!  Cheers!