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.
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 Méditerranée go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, shellfish or mature and hard cheese such as recipes of old-fashioned pork roll, cuttlefish a la plancha or cheese soufflé omelette.
