We Love the Wine!

One of the major reasons I wanted to return to Provence was for the delightful wines found throughout the region.  I have become especially fond of the reds of BANDOL,  a small AOC region of 3,200 acres.  This wine is 80% comprised of the Mourvedre grape and blended with varying amounts of Grenanche and Cinsault to produce a dark and soft wine with undertones of spice, vanilla and blackberry.  This is a pretty rough wine while young but after 10+ years of aging, it is great addition to that special steak dinner.

There are plenty of other fine wine producing areas that produce outstanding Cotes du Rhone  reds such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Carianne etc..  Their wines are usually blends of Grenache, Syrah, and other varietals that produce a soft, fruity wine meant to be drunk fairly young.  Look also for the whites of Cassis, a special wine for the great seafood dinners and the sweet dessert wines of Beaumes-de-Venice.

The most famous wine of the region has to be the strong, aged reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Up to 13 different grape varietals can be used to produce a deep red, full bodied wine.   I like these wines but they are a bit "vegetal" tasting to me so I prefer the better Cotes de Rhones.

I think the most consumed wine of the region is the lovely Rose' meant to be drunk young and well chilled with the great salads and breads easily found for an afternoon repast.  The same red varietals are used to make rose' of varying hues and dryness.

So fellow wine drinkers, lift your glasses high to salute the good life found in Provence!!

TROUT