Côtes de Provence grape varieties: Richness and uniqueness

The Côtes de Provence, a wine-growing region in southeastern France, offers a palette of wines that reflects the richness of its terroir. This is due to the diversity of grape varieties grown here, which benefit from exceptional climatic and geological conditions.

Let's discover the main grape varieties grown in this region and those favored by Château Sainte Marguerite.

The main Côtes de Provence grape varieties

1

• Grenache: A mainstay of Provencal blends, it brings notes of red and black fruit, as well as a characteristic roundness.
• Cinsault: Renowned for its finesse, it is often used in rosés. It offers delicate aromas of fresh fruit and a lovely lightness.
• Syrah: Appreciated for its spicy aromas and tannic structure, it adds complexity to blends.
• Mourvèdre: This late-ripening variety thrives in the Provencal sunshine, giving the wines notes of garrigue, pepper and black fruit.

l

• Rolle (or Vermentino): Very present in the region, it brings notes of citrus, white flowers and good acidity.
• Ugni Blanc: Used as a complement, it offers freshness and subtle aromas.
• Clairette: This ancient variety contributes to the aromatic complexity of white wines with its notes of white-fleshed fruit.

Why do these grape varieties love Provence?

The Côtes de Provence region enjoys a Mediterranean climate that's ideal for viticulture: hot, dry summers, mild winters and exceptional light. The mistral wind, typical of the region, keeps the vines healthy and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. The soil, composed of schist, limestone and sandstone, gives the wines a unique aromatic complexity.

The grape varieties grown in this region are perfectly adapted to these climatic and geological conditions. They produce wines with the fresh, fruity notes that characterize their rosés.

Château Sainte Marguerite and its grape varieties

While Provence boasts 17 grape varieties, Château Sainte Marguerite has chosen to focus on three - Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle - for the production of its rosés.

An endemic grape variety, Grenache reveals many facets depending on the terroir from which it comes, while maintaining a constant elegance. To ensure its singular signature, Château Sainte Marguerite looks for Grenache that brings aromatic intensity - around white-fleshed and exotic fruits, as well as citrus - and gourmet generosity, as well as a beautiful silky texture.

A sunny grape par excellence, Cinsault brings finesse, delicacy and subtlety to Château Sainte Marguerite rosé wines.

Rolle, a grape variety once forgotten in Provence, completes the aromatic framework of the blend with a touch of pear, lemon and grapefruit, and gives it a beautiful, limpid color.

Planted according to soil type and plot orientation, these three grape varieties give Château Sainte Marguerite's rosé wines their distinctive style of elegance, finesse and precision. "We've acquired a detailed knowledge of the different terroirs as we've built up our vineyard. For almost 50 years, we've been learning to understand them in order to express their best qualities," comments Olivier Fayard, CEO & winemaker at Château Sainte Marguerite.