Eight AOC areas expressing the idiosyncrasies of its diverse terrain. Coteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence
(3,500 ha) to the north and west of Aix-en-Provence Les Baux-de-Provence
Based around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the area’s winegrowers are adopting a collective approach focusing on biodynamic viticulture.
The wines differ depending on which side of the Baux valley, north or south. Côtes-de-Provence
Sliced in two by the Coteaux-Varois region, it stretches from Trets to Saint-Raphaël. Rosés make up 60 % of production. Côtes-de-Provence Sainte-Victoire A subzone north-east of Marseille Côtes-de-Provence Fréjus
A subzone east of côtes-de-provence Coteaux-varois
1700 hectares north of Toulon, sheltered by the Sainte-Baume hills. Coteaux-de-Pierrevert
Around the river Durance and the town of Forcalquier. Bandol
Bandol’s speciality is reds thanks to the Mourvèdre grape variety, capable of producing age-worthy wines after 18 months ‘softening up’ in large oak casks.
Hush-hush wine areas (total 400 ha) Cassis (whites) http://www.maisondesvinscassis.com/ Palette (next door to Aix-en-Provence, reds), north-facing including the eminent Château Simone Bellet (just above Nice) (particularly its whites mostly made from Rolle) http://www.vinsdebellet.com/
A few châteaux worth looking at and tasting
Château de Berne in Lorgues Château de Saint-Martin in Taradeau Commanderie de Peyrassol in Flassans sur Issole.
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