03/07/06 Provence

Welcome to Vine to Wine I'm your host Linda Moran and on today's program we are going to explore the wines of the French region of Provence. Located on France's Mediterranean coast Provence is a region of sunshine and ocean breezes. Although it's probably better known for it's cuisine than it's wine, the wines of Provence are honestly nothing to shy away from. The garlicky seafood dishes that the region is known for are perfect with the style of wine that is produced there. Basically there are four prominent wine areas  where Viognier, Muscat, and Syrah are grown in abundance  although at times the beautiful weather is a curse  producing excessive heat, which ripens the grapes so fast that they lack some of the desired complexity that they might have otherwise had. Each of the four wine areas seems to have a style all its own and that is probably a good way to shop for them  by origin. The first region is Bandol producing some spicier rose's and rougher racier red wines. Next is Cassis making those yummy drier white wines that go great with shellfish. Followed by Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence known for richer reds and wines that go well with hearty olives and bread with olive oil. Then of course lastly is Cotes de Provence - home to some of the most reknowned Rose's in the world. One of which I would highly recommend is Domaine Richaeume. The summer is the season for the food and wines of Provence, so look up a regional recipe or two and ask your local wine merchant for a few wine suggestions and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.