Good Vintage for Provence Wines in 2009

The famous Côtes de Provence wine is expected to be an excellent vintage wine in 2009


The AOC (protected designation of origin ) Côte de Provence grape harvests is noted by the experts as “excellent”, better than 2008.
Nevertheless, the first grapes showed a return in slightly less important juice than in 2008, those having received more “generous” rain.

For the moment, the harvested volumes seem comparable in 2008 so a decline of the volumes is waited but it should not exceed 5 %. Summer was very dry but winter was rainy enough to insure grapes growing.

Less bottle, better quality, lucky 2010 travelers in Provence should defectively try any AOC “Côtes de Provence”. You have 3 choices:

1) Rosé wines are a genuine symbol of Provence. The Côtes de Provence rosé wines are typified by a very bright, pale pink colour.

Fresh and exotic fruits dominate in their highly complex bouquet, alongsidefloral and spicy notes. Well-balanced and pleasantly zesty, combining freshness and smoothness, they are best served

at a temperature of 8 to 12°C.

2) Red wines. Depending on their origin, composition and the personal style of each grower, the Côtes de Provence reds may be suitable for drinking young or for ageing. They can be light and supple with notes of red berries or flowers, full-bodied and generous after maturing for several months in oak barrels or tanks, or require long ageing to develop a velvety texture and deep aromas.

They should be served at a temperature of 16 to 18°C.

3) Provence Whites - small production, but high quality...

Provence’s white wines are traditionally “blancs de blancs”, meaning white wines produced using white grapes. Their colour ranges from pale gold to green-tinted.

Offering a delicate balance of freshness and smoothness, they should be served at a temperature of 6 to 8°C.

Cheers!

Tom in our Languedoc office