Wines of Provence and Corsica

1. The Region

The sun-soaked vineyards of Provence and Corsica lie along the Mediterranean coast in southern France.
They enjoy long, dry summers, strong sea breezes, and over 2,700 hours of sunshine each year.
Most wines are rosé, but the region also makes elegant reds and fresh, herbal whites.

2. Main Grapes

• Grenache: ripe red fruit and spice — the backbone of Provençal rosé.
• Mourvèdre: dark, powerful reds, especially in Bandol.
• Cinsault: light and floral; softens rosé blends.
• Syrah: adds colour and peppery spice.
• Vermentino (Rolle): crisp white with lemon and almond notes.

3. Styles and Appellations

• Côtes de Provence: the largest area; famous for pale, dry rosé with delicate red fruit.
• Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence: slightly fuller rosés and fruity reds.
• Bandol: structured reds and savoury rosés made mainly from Mourvèdre; among Provence’s most age-worthy wines.
• Costières de Nîmes: near the Rhône; blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre with a spicy, Mediterranean feel.
• Corsica: island vineyards producing rosé, red, and white wines from Nielluccio, Sciaccarello, and Vermentino; mountain freshness balances the heat.

4. Why It’s Special

Provence is the home of French rosé, known for its pale colour, freshness, and elegance.
Its sunny climate, limestone soils, and sea winds also allow organic farming to flourish.
And while Grenache and Mourvèdre dominate, the region’s variety — from Bandol reds to Corsican whites — shows the Mediterranean’s full spectrum in a glass.
Even unusual plantings like actor John Malkovich’s Pinot Noir in Hérault highlight how diverse the southern French microclimates can be.