Provence is the mistral (winner as Renaud would say), the cicadas , the lavender , the sun and… the rosé of course. In this beautiful region of France, it does not rain every four mornings, on the other hand it does rain in organic wine estates. Come with us, we'll take you to discover them!
Provence, a region with organic vineyards
When the sun shines, everyone smiles, us of course, but the plants too! It's not for nothing that sunflowers follow this pretty ball of warmth from morning to night. The sun is also the ally of organic wines !
Organic viticulture, the ally of vines and the environment
Think plants can't catch a cold, sore throat or headache? Well you are absolutely right! On the other hand, they can fall ill like all plants, which sometimes leads them to wither. Not all that fun.
The plant doctolib does not yet exist (although new applications are emerging to guide you and take care of your plants at home) and they sometimes have a little trouble overcoming the disease. Fortunately for the vines , the winegrowers are there, ready to do battle with those who want to attack their little proteges.
In this fight for plant health, everyone has their own method. There are those who equip themselves with chemical phytosanitary products that leave scars on the soil and those who use natural methods to fight diseases effectively without damaging the environment . Finally, the organic winegrower is a bit like the soldier with the flower gun.
An ideal climate for organic vineyards
Do you also talk about your nose in winter, empty your tissues and stay glued to your angi-spray? Nothing abnormal, we reassure you because some climates are more favorable to the development of diseases.
In bacteria heaven, it's humid, chilly and the weather changes a bit all the time. The temperature variations there is no photo it is not ideal, neither for us, nor for the vines . Sure, it's a bit of a morale boost to bring out your jacket and umbrella two days after going out in your flip-flops and t-shirt.
The happiness of some is the misfortune of others as some say. This phrase fits perfectly with the Provençal climate. Ideal for plants, less for diseases, that's good, that's what we prefer!
In the South of France , the seasons are well marked, with cool winters, springs accompanied by some rain and a very dry and sunny summer. In Provence , the rhythm of the seasons is not misleading, which allows the vines to grow as they should, without disease preventing them. Of course, not everything is rosy and you still have to pamper them, help them protect themselves, but it's still easier than in more northern regions where the weather is sometimes less clement.
Organic wine estates, a fad or a real commitment?
Organic wineries line the Provençal landscape, hugging the shapes of the Alpes Maritimes and watching the sea out of the corner of their eyes on summer evenings. But then, has that always been the case?
Wine and Provence have been friends since their earliest childhood because at the time of the Romans and the Gauls, this drink was already unanimous in this sunny region. At that time, phytosanitary products did not exist and the vines were maintained by the winegrowers with the sweat of their brow and with natural techniques . We imagine that for the harvest , everyone got their hands dirty, or rather, in the vineyard!
We wrote an article on natural wine if you are interested
It is only recently that many wineries have switched to conventional practices , using fertilizers and chemical fertilizers to maximize yields. Like irresistible Gauls, some wine estates have not yielded to the temptation of conventional wines and have set an example.
With hindsight, many winegrowers (who have switched to conventional agriculture) saw the virtues of organic and reasoned agriculture , and wanted to give back to the land what it has always offered them. Many wine estates in Provence have therefore converted to organic viticulture , thus restoring a smile to the vines and grapes !
xThe conversion to organic viticulture requires a lot of investment from winegrowers and the transition does not happen overnight. It is only after the third year of conversion that the winemaker can proudly display the AB label on these bottles. We can therefore say that we do not change vineyards like shirts, so it is not fashion that drives our French winegrowers but a desire to improve soil maintenance.
The good organic wine of Provence
After a good day's work, what could be better than a small glass of rosé de provence by the pool or in the garden? In any case, we are signing! But then, what makes rosé de provence so good?
The grape varieties and the terroir
In the Provençal vineyards , many grape varieties particularly like to bask in the sun. How can you blame them ?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of black grape varieties that can be found in Provence:
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Tibouren
- Caladoc
- Merlot
And now, a list of some white grape varieties :
- The role
- The white ugni
- Clairette
- Semillon
- The white bourboulenc
The wines of Provence are often made from a blend of these different grape varieties with unique aromas and personality . Obviously, the production of Provence wines is not limited to rosé. We also enjoy a good bottle of red wine or white wine to contemplate the sea.
It is in the middle of lavender and the Provençal maquis that the vines grow , on limestone soils , formed of pebbles retaining humidity and crystalline eruptive rock . Besides, it's not just the vines that love the Provençal terroir !
Wine tourism and organic estates in Provence
Bikers love to ride on the roads of Provence, enjoy a wonderful landscape between hectares of vineyards and lavender, climb Mont Ventoux and sneak into the Alps. It makes you want !
Everyone is rather of this opinion because the tastings and the sale of wines at the estate or in the wine cellars are developing well in Provence, and we can understand it. Enjoying the beauty of the Provençal panorama and ending your day with a glass of Côte de Provence in your hands, you would have to be crazy to refuse.
Many organic estates will be happy to welcome you:
- The Château Romanin in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its famous cellar buried under vegetated land is worth the detour!
- You cannot miss the huge Domaine de Sulauze in Miramas where more than 500 hectares are maintained to produce good organic wines, IGP , AOC and AOP
- Passing through Cassis , this magnificent historic town, come and see the Domaine Paternel to taste its wonderful white wines. Just for the domain name, the game is worth the candle
- Take a little height while strolling on the hills of the Cadière d'Azur to discover the very good family organic wine estate, the Domaine Bunan
- At Château Léoube , you can easily bridge the gap between the beach and the vineyards because this estate holds its hand to the sea, giving a particular flavor to the grapes that breathe the sea air.
Lo and behold, you know five areas like the five fingers of the hand. It would take an entire book to tell you about all the beautiful organic estates in Provence, but the talk is not worth the experience.
We hope that with this little teaser, you are already preparing your next vacation to the South. And of course, how can I finish without telling you about Brice , our Oé winemaker who produces our wonderful Mediterranean rosé from Provence in Arles . Come say hi to him from us over a drink!
the-mediterranean
Treat yourself by tasting our good organic red wines, white wines and rosé wines, produced hand in hand with our winegrowers. Discover our different appellations such as Côtes-du-Rhône , Languedoc , Bordeaux , Vaucluse and of course our Mediterranean of Provence .
