📜 Côtes de Provence

Côtes de Provence is the main appellation of Provence in the south of France. It is famed for pale dry rosé wines, and rosé makes up most of its output. The name is protected as a designation of origin (PDO). The climate is hot and dry with many sunny days, but the mistral wind and the nearby sea soften the heat. Rosé uses Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Tibouren. Whites use Vermentino. Reds are also made, but fewer. Provençal rosés stand out for a very pale colour, almost salmon. The wine is dry and fresh, with notes of strawberry, citrus and herbs. To keep the colour light, black grapes are pressed quickly and the juice has almost no contact with the skins. The bottles often have a distinctive shape. Provence rosé is served well chilled in summer, with salads, fish and southern dishes. It brought the region worldwide fame, and rosé stopped being seen as a second-rate wine.