Coteaux d’Aix en Provence is an appellation of the Provence wine region in southwestern France; it is located just northwest of the town of Marseille. This is a warm Mediterranean climate, which is also affected by the local Mistral wind; soils here are limestone.

There are 10,000 acres planted throughout Aix en Provence, with 24 million bottles produced annually. The most famous wines from here are the rosés, which account got 84% of total production, with 11% red and while representing about 5%.
The rosés (and reds) are produced from several grapes including: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, with Cabernet Sauvignon sometimes used in small percentages. Whites are crafted from Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc, along with smaller percentages of Bourboulenc and Semillon.

The typical Aix en Provence rosé has a light pink or orange color with fragrances of red and orange flowers as well as notes of strawberries and red currant. They are medium-bodied and dry with great freshness and a round, elegant finish. While they are often enjoyed as an aperitif, they are wonderful when paired with simple vegetable preparations using zucchini and green beans, while they are also delicious served alongside chicken salads, pastas with pesto sauce or Oriental dishes.


(Wine/Appellations)