Provence is a wine region in the far southeast of France, best known for the quality (and quantity) of its rosé wines and for its Warm, mild Climate. The modernization that is taking place in many of the traditional wine regions of southern France has not yet taken place to the same extent in Provence, but there are Clear signs of change. The region's Grape varieties, in particular, have come under scrutiny in recent decades. Traditional varieties such as Carignan, Barbaroux (Barbarossa from Sardinia) and Calitor are being replaced by more commercially viable varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and even Cabernet Sauvignon.
The term "Varietal improvers" is gaining ground in Provence, as it is in the neighbouring Languedoc-Roussillon. The most successful local varieties, Mourvèdre, Tibouren and Vermentino (known locally as Rolle), have remained in favor, proving their value in Provence wines, in red, rosé and white respectively. The Vineyards of Provence cover an area of France's southeastern coastline that measures about 200 kilometers from east to west. In this definitely Mediterranean climate - no Provencal vineyard is more than 55 km from the Mediterranean - the vines enjoy about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, as well as an average annual temperature of 14.
5°C.
The vermentino grape variety was widespread in Italy, Sardinia and Corsica. Today, Vermentino is grown in the regions bordering the Mediterranean, mainly in Provence (Côtes de Provence, Bellet), Corsica (Corse Calvi), Languedoc (Côtes du Roussillon, Costières de Nîmes) and the Rhône Valley (Côtes du Luberon). Because it ripens late, Vermentino requires a warm climate for its development and can only be grown in regions with good sun exposure. Conversely, cold or temperate climates do not allow it to ripen properly. Vermentino is only susceptible to powdery mildew. When vinified on its own, Vermentino produces a single-variety dry white wine that is light and full-bodied with a pale yellow color. It can also be blended with other grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Cinsault and Grenache, in which case its low acidity makes it light and fresh. Vermentino belongs to the grape varieties of Ajaccio, Corsica and Corbières. The aromas released by this variety are multiple. One can detect notes of fresh apple, green almond, sweet spices, hawthorn, ripe pear and fresh pineapple.
white wines from the region of Provence go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or lean fish such as recipes of skate wing with shallots, cuttlefish a la plancha or baked fish with paprika.
On the nose in the region of Provence often reveals types of flavors of earth, citrus fruit or melon and sometimes also flavors of tree fruit, red fruit. In the mouth in the region of Provence is a powerful with a nice freshness.
