November 30,2014
Provence vineyards include 3 major appellations and 4 sub appellations total are over 150 miles.
The difference in the AOP (Appellation d’ Origine Protégée) is what defines each province.
The AOP rules for Provence include provisions for the grapes, place of origin, planting density, planting percentages by grape variety , vine size, trellising, vine health, irrigation, harvesting, assemblage, oenological process, equipment, temperature control, packaging, storage, labeling, market release dates and more.
However the following 4 AOP rules for Provence are the easiest for us to taste in the glass:
1) Maximum Residual Sugar
2) Primary Grape Varieties
3) Secondary Grape Varieties
4) Minimum alcohol Content
While all seven AOPs have an allowable range of residual sugar of 3 to 4 grams per liter and a minimum alcohol level of 11 to 11.5% these miniscule difference do not account for the main distinguishing characteristics of each AOP. It is the primary and the secondary grape varietals that impact the wines mostly. Do not expect tor find any Cabernet Sauvignon in a wine form the Cote de Provence La Lande AOP and if you do the winery is not following the rules.
Côtes de Provence AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Tibouren
Secondary Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Clairete, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)
Côtes de Provence
Sainte-Victoire AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
Secondary Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Mourvédre, Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)
Côtes de Provence
Fréjus AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah, Tibouren
Secondary Grape Varieties: Cinsault
Côtes de Provence La Londe AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache
Secondary Grape Varieties: Carignan, Mourvédre, Syrah, Tibouren, Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)
Côtes de Provence
Pierrefeu AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
Secondary Grape Varieties: Mourvédre, Tibouren, Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)
Côtes de Provence
d Aix en Provence AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah
Secondary Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)
Côtes de Provence
Varois en Provence AOP
Primary Grape Varieties: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvédre, Syrah
Secondary Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Tibouren, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino (Rolle)