Côtes De Provence Sainte-Victoire Wine Region

Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region is a part of the larger Cotes de Provence that is well known for its fresh and vivid rose wines. The region is named after the Montagne Sainte-Victoire which is an 18km long limestone ridge that is visible from the whole of Provence. The rose and red wines are made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault with some blend of Mourvedre, Cardigan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sainte-Victoire produces around 22,431 hectolitres of wines, out of which 80% are rose and the remaining is red. Some winemakers also make white wines which are sold under the Cote de Provence label. Rose wines from the region are fruity and dry whereas reds are full-bodied, well-structured, and complex. 

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Where is the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region?

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards are situated at the foothill of the famous Sainte-Victoire Mountain. The region is located at the west of the Cotes de Provence catchment area just east of Aix-en-Provence. The Sainte-Victoire appellation encompasses nine communes - Châteauneuf-le-Rouge, Le Tholonet, Meyreuil, Peynier, Puyloubier, Rousset, and Trets in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, and Pourcieux and Pourrières in the Var. The region is bounded by Coteaux Varois from the east and southeast, Coteaux D'Aix en Provence from the north, and Palette from the west. The region is located at the west of the Cotes de Provence catchment area just east of Aix-en-Provence. 

History of the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region

The Phoceans were the first to cultivate vines in Provence 2600 years ago, making it France's original wine region. Since then, viticulture and winemaking have persisted throughout the region. The region was occupied by Romans who planted grapes in the third century. The location developed into a military port, which boosted the wine business. During the Middle Ages, the local abbeys also made wine. At the beginning of 1880, the region was infested with Phylloxera. Winemakers began grafting French vine stock onto hard American stock, ushering in the second phase of the wine business.

The terroir and geography of the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region

Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire is influenced by continental elements. The Monts Aureliens and the Sainte Baume Mountain range shield the area from the strong marine weather from the south. Because of the drying effects of the Mistral, the Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire is considered to have one of the most natural influence in France. The soil is deficient in nutrients and shallow, consisting primarily of limestone and clay.

Popular grape varieties from the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region

The wide grape varieties of the Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine area are Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah. Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Carignan, Clairette, Semillon, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino are among the other grape varieties grown in the region. The bulk of wine produced in the region is rose, which has a beautiful pink hue with overtones of red fruits, spices, and herbs. The red wines are full-bodied, well-structured, and well-balanced. The region also produces white wines, which are sold under the regional label, Cotes de Provence.

Food to pair with Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine 

Leafy Salads

dressed with a vinaigrette or other dressing. The word salad comes from the medieval Latin word "salata" which means "salty." The Roman cookbook Apicius (4th century AD) contains five recipes for salads. Salads are a great way to provide your body with the nutrients and vitamins it needs to function properly. They are also a good way to get in your daily servings of vegetables.

Salads can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. You can make them with just a few ingredients or you can use many different types of vegetables, fruits, and other toppings. Pair with rose wines from the Cotes de Provence Sainte Victoire region. 

Camembert 

Camembert is a soft, creamy cheese that is made from cow's milk. It's typically shaped into a small round and covered with a white, edible rind. Camembert cheese is made from cow’s milk and it is typically shaped into a small round and covered with a white, edible rind. The flavor of Camembert ranges from mild to strong depending on the age of the cheese.

Camembert was first created by Marie Harel who was trying to imitate Roquefort at the request of her employer, Mère Richard who owned the company in Normandy which supplied cheeses to Louis XV around 1790.

Lemon sponge cakes 

Lemon sponge cakes are a traditional British dessert that is light, moist and has a lovely citrus flavor. The origin of these cakes is unknown but they were popular in the late 1800s. The popularity of lemon sponge cakes has been declining over the years due to the arrival of new desserts and people's changing tastes. This is a classic cake that is perfect for any occasion. It has a soft, light, and fluffy texture, with a slightly tangy taste. The lemon flavor is subtle and not overpowering. Serve this tangy dish with spectacular rose wines from the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire region. 

Places to visit in the Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region

Prieuré Sainte-Victoire

The Prieuré Sainte-Victoire, located at the crest of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, is a spectacular structure visible from most of the Bouches-du-Rhône region. It was built between 1871 and 1875 but the site was already a religious place during the 13th century. Parishioners contributed funds, and the names of the 22,000 contributors are still recorded in a copper heart encased in the monument. The structure comprises an 11m foundation and a 7m metal cross. After being struck by lightning, the Croix de Provence underwent a lengthy restoration process.

Croix de Provence

Croix de Provence is located in Aix-en-Provence on the western tip of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. The current memorial is the fourth to be built, with the previous three succumbing to the ravages of time. The 18.25m towering cross sits 948m above sea level and, is like a beacon. It was built in 1875 with monies gathered through a subscription launched by the priest of the neighboring commune of Rousset, Abbé Meissonier. The monument was originally refurbished in 1982, and then again in 2004 when the old plinth was replaced by a stone-colored, reinforced concrete front that forms a 360-degree viewing seat. Several lightning strikes in 2002 and 2003 forced the 2004 repair.

Marseille

Marseille is a city of art, culture, and history. It is also the most important port in France. The city has a lot to offer visitors. One of the things that make Marseille, so special is its wine culture. The city is also known for its cuisine, culture, and history. It has a rich heritage and is home to many museums and galleries. 

Frequently asked questions about Cotes De Provence Sainte-Victoire