Flavors of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur

All about French Wines > Provence Wines > Red and Rosé grape varieties

SYRAH
Small black grapes with bluish highlights, producing full-bodied and coloured wine, rough with high tannin during the first years, but particularly suitable for extended ageing. Over the years, it develops to produce characteristic notes of vanilla, havana and preserved red berries in the wine.

GRENACHE
This variety, originally from Spain and widely used in Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, gives the young wine elegant aromas of small red berries then, as it ages, turns toward more spicy and animal notes, giving the wine body, richness and strength.

CINSAULT
Tasty and appealing to the eye, this variety originates from Provence and was used for many years as a table grape. It is widely used in Provence for the production of rosé wine, bringing it a fresh, fine and fruity touch, setting off the strength of the other varieties.

TIBOUREN
This authentic Provence variety is sensitive and elegant, lending rosé the finesse of its aromas and a particularly rich bouquet. It is a privileged partner for other Provence varieties.

MOURVEDRE
Small compact grapes that prefer hot and limestone soil. This is a slow maturing variety that likes to keep an eye on the sea, producing structured wines with fine, assertive tannins expressing aromas of violets and blackberries in their youth. Smooth and velvety, it is accompanied by characteristic notes of spices, pepper and cinnamon, revealing itself after a few years of cellar ageing.

CARIGNAN
Suited to poor soil, this was once a widespread variety in Provence but is now less prevalent. Produced on slopes where yields are low, produces highly structured wines, generous and deeply coloured, forming an excellent base for assemblage.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Not particularly common in Provence, this growth adds a tannic, powerful but gentle structure to the wine, facilitating ageing: It has a characteristic nose of green pepper and blackcurrant, setting it apart from the other varieties.