CIRCUIT 12 – AIX-EN-PROVENCE III
One the wine’s roads
The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire appellation area occupies the foothills of the Sainte-Victoire mountain on its southern flank. The vineyard has very specific geo-climatic characteristics. It is established on poor soils formed of limestones and clayey sandstones, well drained and therefore very suitable for the cultivation of the vine. This terroir benefits from exceptional sunshine and is protected from maritime influences by the surrounding relief. The action of the mistral, dry and regular wind, cleanses the vineyard. The grapes maturation there later than on the rest of the Côtes de Provence appellation, which gives the wines a characteristic freshness. This unique terroir, considered one of the most natural in France, where the vine has been cultivated since antiquity exerts a profound influence on the wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire which were officially recognized by decree on February 10, 2005 for reds and rosés. Three grape varieties, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault represent at least 80% of the grape varieties. The wines are made using the traditional blending technique. Each grape variety is harvested and vinified separately, which allows each grape variety to be harvested at maximum maturity and a vinification specific to each grape variety. Then a few months later we proceed to the assembly. The wines of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire, which have a very growing demand in France and abroad, are now of a quality specific to great French wines.
Visit the Vinotheque of the Association of Winegrower of Sainte-Victoire which is the showcase of “Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire” wines with tasting and sale of local wines, in an exceptional setting at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain in Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon. Then visit wineries located in the surroundings, in the middle of exceptional Provencal landscapes.