Provence, the sunny and picturesque region in the south of France, is famous not only for its magnificent landscapes but also for its refined and delicious wines. With a rich winemaking history dating back millennia, the region offers a variety of appellations that testify to its unique terroir and ancestral know-how.
Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Provence wines and discover the prestigious appellations that enchant wine lovers worldwide, as well as the emblematic wineries that produce them.
Meeting with a winemaker:
Romain Dol from the Le Novi wine estate
The road leading to the Domaine Le Novi, in La Tour d’Aigues, in the South of the Luberon region, is truly a marvel. Here, one can feel the gentleness of Provence, with warm light, authentic landscapes, and a clear view on the Monts of Luberon and the vineyards. Nothing to envy to Tuscany…
Romain Dol, an organic winemaker from the Luberon, is deeply rooted in his native region. Son of farmers, he initially pursued studies in oenology. After obtaining his degree, he traveled the world, from New Zealand to Argentina, passing through Spain and the United Kingdom, seeking to enrich his knowledge and experience.
Driven by a passion for discovery and the exploration of new practices, he also developed a considerable talent for negotiation during his five years dedicated to export. However, an unexpected change of direction brought him back to the family lands: his cousin, who was supposed to take over the estate, withdrew… Faced with this unforeseen opportunity, Romain decided to seize his chance.
He particularly cherishes the southern terroir of his estate, which spans 28 hectares of vineyards planted on the first slopes of the southern face of the Luberon massif, near the pond de la Bonde. Furthermore, the safre soil and the proximity of two rivers, the Durance and the Calavon, bring a welcome freshness and create significant temperature variations between day and night, conducive to harmonious ripening.
In his vineyards, Romain favors observation and common sense. He takes care of the plants, ensuring their balance: careful pruning, combatting mutilating wounds, training the vines, airing the clusters, inter-row grassing, and growing cereals and vegetables according to the needs of the plots. His commitment to biodiversity goes beyond the vines, with close collaboration with the local Forestry House for biodiversity preservation, favoring floriferous varieties and eliminating invasive species.
Passionate about indigenous grape varieties, he attaches great importance to the balance of blends and the harmony between freshness and structure. Since 2012, he has been committed to organic farming, producing wines of great finesse but also of great personality. His respect for traditions, ecological commitment, and the uniqueness of his wines make him a key figure in the Provencal vineyard.
Despite the challenges encountered, Romain remains dedicated to his work and the preservation of his terroir. He knows that the beauty of the winemaker’s profession lies in gratitude and the challenges it brings, and he continues to move forward with passion and determination.
We offer a discovery of this vineyard accompanied by the winemaker, with explanations about his work followed by a tasting.
Exploration of Provence Wines
The main wine appellations of south-east France
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
The Côtes de Provence appellation is the largest and most famous in the region, renowned for its elegant rosé wines and aromatic reds. Prestigious domains such as Château d’Esclans and Domaines Ott captivate connoisseurs with their sophisticated creations, offering a palette of flavors that reflects the diversity of the Provencal terroir.
BANDOL
Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, the Bandol appellation is famous for its full-bodied red wines made from the Mourvèdre grape variety. Bandol wines, known for their structure and complexity, are represented by renowned domains such as Domaine Tempier, a symbol of quality and authenticity in the region.
CÔTEAUX D’AIX-EN-PROVENCE
This dynamic appellation produces a wide range of wines, from rich reds to fresh whites and fruity rosés. Domains like Château La Coste and Château Vignelaure are at the forefront of sustainable viticulture, offering quality wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE
At the foot of the Alpilles, the Les Baux-de-Provence appellation is renowned for its elegant red wines and aromatic whites. Prestigious domains such as Château Romanin and Domaine de Trévallon capture the essence of this exceptional terroir, producing wines that embody the authenticity and finesse of Provence.
PALETTE
Near Aix-en-Provence, the Palette appellation is famous for its complex red wines and elegant whites. Domains like Château Simone perpetuate a centuries-old winemaking tradition, producing wines of exceptional quality that fully express the unique terroir of the region.
CÔTEAUX VAROIS EN PROVENCE
This appellation produces high-quality red, white, and rosé wines, reflecting the richness of the Varois terroir. Renowned domains such as Domaine de Rimauresq and Château de l’Aumerade offer elegant wines that appeal to the most discerning palates.
CÔTES DU LUBERON
Located between the Alps and the Luberon massif, this appellation offers a diversity of wines, from robust reds to fresh whites. Domains like Domaine de Fontenille, Domaine Le Novi, or Mas Lauris are examples of producers committed to the quality and authenticity of their wines.
CÔTES DU VENTOUX
On the slopes of Mont Ventoux, this appellation produces fruity red wines and delicate rosés. Domains like Domaine de Fondrèche and Château Pesquié take advantage of the region’s unique terroir to create wines of great expressiveness.
CASSIS
This small coastal appellation is renowned for its refined white wines and elegant rosés. Domains like Clos Sainte Magdeleine and Domaine du Paternel benefit from the maritime influence to produce wines of incomparable freshness.
BELLET
Nestled in the hills overlooking Nice, this appellation produces red, white, and rosé wines of great finesse. Domains like Château de Bellet perpetuate an ancient winemaking tradition, offering wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
VALLÉE DU RHÔNE
This region is home to several renowned appellations, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famous for its powerful red wines made from Grenache grapes. Prestigious domains like Château de Beaucastel and Domaine de la Janasse are examples of producers shaping the region’s wine landscape.
