Although we could all complain about travel and other restrictions, it’s time to focus on wine (don’t tell your doctor). Grape growers and winemakers in France, including Provence, have something to moan about after a harsh late-season frost that could have a catastrophic impact on 2021 vintages. Susan writes about this early April occurrence in her article “Fear and Angst in the Vines in Provence.”
The wines of Provence have an almost mythical attraction aided by the fact that the first non-indigenous vines were brought to Massalia (Marseille) by the Greeks in about 600 BC. These would have been the earliest intentionally cultivated grapes and certainly the first rosés in France. The Romans arrived in Nostra Provincia (“our province”) in approximately 125 BC and began expanding their commodity trade routes. Roman grape cultivation occurred throughout the region. They recognized that the steep sides of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail provided decent drainage for grapes, creating the birthplace of Southern Rhône Valley wines.
The articles below are a toast to the wines of the region - cheers! Thank you for reading this Perfectly Provence newsletter. If you like our content, please share it with a friend. We love to hear from our readers with suggestions, comments or questions on the region. Please don’t hesitate to send an email to perfectlyprovenceinfo@gmail.com.
Bon weekend,
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