Méditérranée is a PGI title that covers wines produced in a large area of the South-eastern coast of France, roughly corresponding to the wine region of Provence but also including Part of the Rhône Valley. The PGI shares its territory with multiple AOC appellations as varied as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol and Côtes de Provence. The PGI Méditérranée catchment area extends over 10 departments (including the two on the island of Corsica), as well as smaller parts of the Isère, Loire and Rhône departments. Viticulture is essential to the culture and economy of this part of France.
The Terroir is varied, but is largely characterized by the southern edge of the Alps and the Warm, DryMediterraneanClimate. Most of the vineyards are in the hills and valleys of the Alpine foothills, as the higher altitude provides an excellent ripening situation with abundant sunshine and cool nights. The Mistral wind from the North and sea breezes from the south often collide in the spring and autumn, creating periods of heavy rainfall that ensure the vines are well hydrated throughout the growing season. The PGI Méditérranée is widely used, as it provides an alternative geographical indicator without the strict winemaking and grape selection requirements imposed by the region's AOC laws.
Originally from Bordeaux, Sauvignon, or Sauvignon Blanc, is reputed to be one of the best French grape varieties for white wine. It is a white grape variety, not to be confused with Sauvignon Gris and its pale yellow color, or with Cabernet Sauvignon which produces red wines. Particularly famous thanks to Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated as far as New Zealand, where it produces great wines whose reputation is well established.
white wines from the region of Méditerranée go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or shellfish such as recipes of the secrets of croque-monsieur, grilled sea bass with herbs or mussels with curry.
