Luxury Hotels Provence

Travel to Provence and Five Wines to Prepare Palates for the Journey

Monica Tindall

Inspired by our Bordeaux trip last summer, this year weโ€™ll be heading to northern Italy and Austria for some further wine exploration. It just so happens however that we have a few days before our official trip begins so weโ€™re planning on spending some time in Provence, France โ€“ doing what we do best, drinking wine of course! But first a place to stay is on our agenda, and if you want to drool a little, take a look at the Provence vacation rentals weโ€™ve been browsing.

Luxury villas Provence
Rental Villa in Provence, France

From the Mediterranean coast to the east, to the rural areas of the west, Provence is known for its joie de vivre. Scenic coastal roads, picturesque hilltop villages, lavender fields, exquisite local markets, and naturally wine, wine and more wine: there is much here to inspire. They even say the light in Provence is so intriguing that it roused the spirits of generations of artists to produce some of their best works: Cรฉzanne and Van Gogh were just two of many!

wines of Provence
Provence, France

Not only is the climate appealing for travellers but so too it is near perfect for wine growing. Rolling hills, lots of sunshine with warm days and cooler evenings, and a variety of soils such as limestone, granite and volcanic, fashion prime conditions for grape growing. With diverse terroir comes a multitude of both red and white grape varietals, around 36 to be more specific. Adding to the allure of the region is that Provence is said to be the oldest wine-producing region in France with a history dating back 2600 years! Doesnโ€™t that sound like something worth exploring?

wines of Provence
Chateau dโ€™Esclans

Preparing our taste buds for the journey I checked out what our go-to wine shop, Wine Talk, has from the region. Using their new mobile app to do the searching, I can refine my terms by any number of categories such as region, grape, special deals and delivery time. Thereโ€™s even an application where I can snap labels and build my own virtual wine cellar!

Provence is known for its rosรฉ, so thereโ€™s no surprise that Wine Talk has numerous labels of this wine, alongside a couple of reds and whites. The pink or orange-ish hue of rosรฉ wine is given by brief contact with the skins of the red grapes. Where red wine is left to ferment for a number of weeks, rosรฉ wine gets its stain from only a few hours of exposure. While pink is the new chic, there seem to be plenty of red and white wines to keep our liquid diet well balanced.

The first trio of wines I order are from Chateau du Seuil in an attempt to ensure I try all three – red, white and rosรฉ – from the region. The 300-hectare domain sounds dreamy: in the heart of Provence it sports magnificent views from Sainte Victoire in the east to the Mediterranean in the south west, and is surrounded by woods inhabited by deer, partridge, hare and flourishing wild thyme.

Provence Wines by Wine Talk
Chateau du Seuil

Chateau du Seuilโ€™s Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosรฉ (RM110) presents a pale salmon hue and is almost shiny with lightness in the glass. To me it smells of late spring with floral and fruit aromas, and in the mouth itโ€™s fresh with an elegant citrus finish.

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Rolle (also called Vermentino) makes up Chateau du Seuilโ€™s Coteaux d’Aix en Provence White (RM110). Itโ€™s one of the few whites weโ€™ve come across that are recommended for aging. Itโ€™s a soft yellow shade with a fresh flowers bouquet, and has full body. White peach comes to the centre of the palate and glides into a humble ending. Iโ€™m already looking forward to enjoying this with some French Riviera seafood.

Another blend is presented in the Chateau du Seuil, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Red (RM110). Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Grenache produce a bold red hue, which continues in concept through to the nose and the palate furnishing further bold flavours and aromas. Silky tannins lead to a lengthy finish making it ideal for roasted or grilled red meat.

Wine Talk online wine store Malaysia
Red from Chateau du Seuil

The next rosรฉ I order is from a well-loved producer, actually one of the oldest wine merchants in the world, Barton & Guestier. Their Passeport series is recognized as an exemplary introduction to wine as each varietal is seen as a typical expression of the grape. Barton & Guestierโ€™s ‘Passeport’ Cotes de Provence Rosรฉ (RM78) is a charming pale pink with aromatic scents of fruits and berries. Its perkiness in the palate and candied fruit ending, make it feel playful. Itโ€™s easy drinking, and I imagine sipping this one for hours on end in afternoon sessions with girlfriends.

wines of Provence
Barton & Guestier Wine Rose Pairing

Moving from a casual gathering with the gals, Chateau d’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’ Provence Rosรฉ (RM158), might take me into full soirรฉe mode. Pretty label, pretty colour and, well the name screams anything but a time to hush, this one is loads of fun. Vibrant, sassy, fruity, herby and gorgeously aromatic, it might just see us dancing on the tables by eveningโ€™s end.

Have you tried any wines from Provence, France or might you have some travel tips for us? Weโ€™d love to read your recommendations so drop us a line below.

www.winetalk.com.my

Provence Vacation Rentals

27 Comments

  1. What a breathtaking scenery…love French villages ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Lovely place Provence.

  3. Of course, I have. But I guess we will get to try more OZ / NZ wines after Brexit!
    Yeah, is this a good thing or bad thing, M? ๐Ÿ˜‰

  4. What a beautiful place. Love especially that first pic of yours, so regal.

    • Can’t take credit for that photo Arthur. I borrowed it from the site I was browsing. It sure is gorgeous though isn’t it.

  5. I am checking out new blogs and came across yours tonight. AND you are living my dream trip…always wanted to go there. I love lavender fields…we have a couple here, but nothing quite as amazing as THAT!! Beautiful, just beautiful ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you for sharing.

  6. So beautiful and elegant. ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Looks wonderful there.
    Enjoy.

  8. Provence! This is going to be an amazing trip! Bon appetit! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  9. Beautiful place. Beautiful photos too. Have a lovely week!

    • An especially nice part of the world in the early summer I believe. I hope I can see those lavender fields in bloom!

  10. Tessie Jean

    That sounds like a really neat app. Something similar to Vivino I suppose, but more locally oriented?

    • Yes I guess so Tessie! Good thing with the Wine Talk app is that we have access to what is availably locally on the shelves.

  11. Pretty cool, dear! Love the scenery shots! xoxo

    • Wish I could lay claim for the scenery shots Shirley, but I borrowed them from other sources.

  12. As usual amazing post ) Thanks for sharing!

  13. Provence looks like wonderful place to visit. I always enjoy tasting the local wines when I am travelling.

  14. What beautiful photos. I want to visit Provence too!

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