Provence

Blessed with nearly perfect Mediterranean climate conditions, Provence prides itself on being the birthplace of all French wine. In fact, winemaking in the region dates to 600 BCE, representing a total of 26 centuries of wine production in France. The regional IGP area is the IGP de Méditerranée, but Provence produces much more AOC-level wine than IGP-level. Its largest AOC is Côtes de Provence, and its best-known communal AOC is Bandol, which produces deeply colored and aromatic reds and fine dry rosés principally from Mourvèdre. Grenache and Cinsaut complement the blend, with Tibouren, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon also planted in the area. Despite the excellent reputation held by Bandol for its meaty reds, Provence produces only a small amount of red wine, supplemented by an even smaller production of white wine. Rosé accounts for nearly 88% of the wine produced in Provence. Provence accounts for 40% of all AOC rosé production in France, making it at least partially responsible for France’s position as the number-one producer of rosé wine worldwide.