Provence and rose wine go hand in hand. Provence is brimming with vineyards, salty breezes, and age-old traditions, mastering the art of making delicate pink wines that are famous in the summer months. Behind the chilled glass of rose poured on a coastal terrace during lunch, there is a world of wine making that very few visitors get to experience, which are best experienced through vineyard tours and tastings.
The Ideal Landscape
Provence is amongst the oldest wine making regions in France, with a landscape that is perfect for rose. The region has rugged landscapes with limestone hills and the Mediterranean sea breeze that creates the ideal micro climate for Cinsault, Mouvedre, Grenache, and Syrah grapes, which are used in Provençal blends. The dry heat is what intensifies the aroma, while cool breezes ensure freshness.
Visitors are often surprised to learn that the rose wines from Provence are not a by-product of red wine, but are intentional, crafted to perfection. Wine makers focus on precise harvesting with attention to detail, ensuring a pale colour with aromatic delight.
Vineyard Tours
Guided vineyard tours in Provence offer you an opportunity to see how rose is made. From soft-pressing to how the grapes are picked to preserve acidity, along with temperature controlled fermentation, that provides these wines with the crisp and clear flavour profile.
Many of the wine estates in the region use traditional concrete vats, along with stainless-steel tanks, honouring time-honoured methods, but blending it with modern innovation. You may even come across some oak barrels, which are not often used, by may be chosen by producers that want complex flavours.
Vineyard Tastings
Rose tasting in Provence is a sensory journey with each area having it’s own rose personality. Some of the top rose vineyard tastings include:
Cotes de Provence
This estate produces pale pink rose that is mineral, light, and enjoyable. You will find vineyards in La Londe, Sainte-Victoire, and Pierrefeu, offering delightful vineyard tastings while gazing over the olive groves and lavender fields.
Bandol
The Bandol area has structured rose wines that are spicy, made mostly using Mourvedre grapes. A vineyard tour and tasting is an exciting experience, as you visit ancient terraced vineyards that are perched on hillsides, where harvesting is a hands-on experience.
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
This area is close to the city of Aix-en-Provence, where the local vineyards produce aromatic and lively rose wines, boasting hints of citrus, peach, and herbs. These vineyards offer relaxed tours and tastings, along with dining opportunities.
What a Traditional Vineyard Tour in Provence Entails
Heading off on a vineyard tour in Provence is the best way to explore the regions rose wines, often starting among the vines, where you learn about the grape varieties, along with seasonal work. This is often followed by a visit to the cellar, where tastings are generous, enabling you to taste youthful and robust rose varieties.
Some of the vineyards in this area offer a selection of picnic baskets, guided food pairings, along with rose-themed workshops, where you can learn more about this delicious and delicate wine.
Conclusion
Drinking a glass of rose in Provence is an experience, it’s about the atmosphere, the scent of lavender and rosemary in the air, or the sun-drenched vineyards. These wines reflect the rugged character of the area, combining it with sophistication and elegance, with a story to be told behind each glass. To make the most of your Provençal rose experience, you can consider a hands-on cooking class, learning how to make your favourite local dishes and pairing it with your recently purchased rose selection. Contact Cooking Classes in Provence today to find out more.
