International Trends - Europe Photo Credit: Marie l’Enfer
The Artistry of Provence THE AUSTRALIAN SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN TIMELY FASHION, AND ALONG WITH IT THE PROMISE OF SUMMER JUST AROUND THE CORNER - AKA ROSÉ SEASON. ROSÉ HAS BEEN BOOMING IN RECENT YEARS AND, GIVEN IT MAKES UP 9% OF GLOBAL WINE*, THERE’S NO REASON TO THINK IT’S POPULARITY WILL FADE. THE ROSÉ REVOLUTION IS HERE TO STAY. SO WITH THAT IN MIND, OUR THOUGHTS TURNED TO THE HOME OF ROSÉ, SET ON THE BACKDROP OF THE SPARKLING BLUE WATERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA AND SOUTH EAST OF FRANCE; PROVENCE. Words Ken Gargett and Ash Pini Winelovers will immediately imagine crisp, chilled, pale pink glasses of the world’s best Rosés, but there is so much more. Wines that reflect their terroir and are evergrowing in respect and popularity around the world. Grapes have been grown here, and wines made, since 600 BC. Greeks and Romans both enjoyed the region’s output, and as highly revered as the region was then, the wines have never been better. We see an array of offerings including: Rolle (Vermentino), Ugni Blanc, Semillon, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Bourboulenc, for white grapes.
20 drinks trade
For reds, which provide the majority of the grapes grown in the Provençal region, Grenache is the dominant variety, supported by Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, CabernetSauvignon, Mourvèdre, Tibouren, Counoise, Barbaroux and Calitor. The largest AOC in the region is Côtes de Provence, with almost a hundred communes, followed by Coteaux d’Aix-enProvence, and Coteaux Varois en Provence. These three appellations represent 95% of the AOP production. Côtes de Provence, in the East, is the largest, and divided in terroir designations (there are five of them)
recognising the uniqueness of each area of this big appellation. Coteaux Varois en Provence, in the heart of Provence, is the highest of the three. The altitude of the vineyards varies between 350 and 500 metres. Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, in the west, is most exposed the the Mistral wind, which blows from the Rhône Valley. As makers understand their region more and more, we are seeing grapes planted on slopes best suited. Also benefiting the growing international attention is that this is a region which adapts easily to both organic and biodynamic viticulture, a sector of the
