The secrets of winemaking expertise
The wine tourism adventure in Provence begins under a radiant spring sun, in the heart of authentic vineyards. Together, we will explore the terroir of the Dracénie Provence Verdon, discovering the secrets of winemaking expertise.
Each step of this unique experience immerses us in the story of a wine-growing region where the marriage of tradition and innovation transcends every drop of wine. From tasting workshops to vegan rosés, and an introduction to aromas at Château Rasque, this day at the heart of the art of Provençal rosé wine is a true revelation.
HIGHLIGHT 1
WHEN THE AMATEUR BECOMES A CONNOISSEUR
A delicate fragrance of rosé wine from Provence It unfolds before our eyes, enveloped in a pretty stemmed glass that captures the morning light. Closing our eyes, suddenly, a bouquet of aromas with fruity notes and floral touches fills our nostrils and reveals the aromatic profile of the first tasting of the morning.
The wine reveals its character, with subtle notes that dance and blend together, like an invitation to explore each of its nuances.
Learning to understand wine
We are participating in a 3-hour workshop, including 6 tastings, at the Côtes de Provence Wine House. Here, the soft light highlights the approximately 800 bottles of AOP wines, sold at producer prices. In a small group, the master sommelier shares his secrets, like a confidence reserved for initiates. He teaches us to understand wine, to listen to our senses, and to refine our tastes as inexperienced but fascinated epicureans.
We learn that the delicate hue of this nectar conceals a certain complexity stemming from the richness of the terroir. Then, with each new sip, the wine speaks to us, slowly revealing the quality of each grape and the time-honored techniques of the winemakers.
Dress, bouquet and palace
With our classmates, we are introduced to the vocabulary and techniques of wine tasting in a relaxed atmosphere. By observing the color of the Côtes de Provence AOP rosé wine, We learned to decipher his story before he even spoke it. Not bad for beginners!
Then, our palate becomes the stage for a delicate alchemy where acidity, persistent sweetness, bitterness and the entire body of this divine nectar intertwine.
The Côtes de Provence appellation is produced on 20,100 hectares and extends over three departments: the Var, the Bouches du Rhône and an enclave in the Alpes Maritimes, on 84 municipalities in total.
Rosé wine was born in Provence!
While 9 out of 10 consumers say they drink it, rosé isn't just the trendy wine of the 21st century. This brightly colored nectar was already being cultivated 2,600 years ago in Provence. Yes, the Greeks, who planted the first vines, were already producing rosé!
Today, three wine houses in Provence showcase the region's producers:
- There Côtes de Provence Wine House in Les Arcs-sur-Argens
- There House of Wines of the Var Hills in Provence at La Celle
- There Sainte-Victoire Wine Shop in Saint-Antonin-sur-Bayon
HIGHLIGHT 2
THE VEGAN ROSÉ FROM THE WINEGROWERS OF TARADEAU
Do you know what vegan wine is?
We are at the winegrowers of Taradeau, in the middle of visiting this cooperative winery which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year !
Founded in 1924 by Provençal winegrowing families deeply rooted in the Taradeau terroir, this winery offers AOP-certified rosé wines. Ninety producers showcase their bottles in a gourmet shop that highlights a variety of regional products.
Once upon a time… vegan rosé
Our host answers his own question… his audience listens captivated.
“A rosé wine is vegan if it is produced without the use of animal products. Traditionally, clarifying agents such as gelatin or egg albumin are used in its production. Vegan wines replace these agents with alternatives, such as clay or plant proteins.”
This is how we discovered the existence of exceptional vegan rosé wines, thanks to the producer's story… He tells us that the hillsides formed of pelite give rich and round wines, while the vines located on the clay-limestone plateaus produce fruity wines with a clear minerality.
At the end of this enriching exchange, we move on to the much-anticipated tasting phase… only to discover with evident pleasure that the Taradeau wines They live up to their promises.
Winged Lands of Gonfaron
Just 30 minutes from the Taradeau winery is another cooperative winery. The Terres Ailée wine cellar in Gonfaron, In the Cœur du Var region, we offer vineyard walks in the producing estates, visits to the cellar and tasting workshops.
Focus on: Cooperative wineries, quite a history!
Throughout history, in every Provençal village, the cooperative winery has been much more than just a place for winemaking: it is the beating heart of the community, a living witness to its history and identity. Proudly displaying its connection to the land, it embodies the collective effort of local winemakers.
Naturally welcoming, cooperative wineries offer a range of activities, from tastings to guided tours, always imbued with the spirit of sharing that gives them their unique identity.
HIGHLIGHT 3
CHÂTEAU RASQUE, A LAND OF SCENTS
At the end of the day, the sun is still shining very brightly in the land of Dracénie…
Sunglasses on, hair blowing in the spring breeze, we arrive at Rasque Castle, for an introduction to scents.
Still as passionate as we were at the start of the morning, we push open the wrought iron gates of the Domaine and enter the Salle des Foudres, made of old stones. This is where the workshop begins.
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The heady aroma of Provence rosé wines, with their notes of white peach and raspberry, seems almost tangible. The sommelier guides us through this olfactory discovery, helping us grasp the soul and spirit of each vintage from the estate.
With each new tasting, the rosé reveals itself to us, like a true friend… A single day in Provence was enough for us to understand that each wine has its own unique personality. The tasting workshops are there to help us grasp their complexity.
Lorgues, a Provençal village
To end the day on a high note, visit the charming village of Lorgues, Located about ten kilometers from Château Rasque, this sun-drenched village with its colorful facades will enchant you with its pretty fountains, narrow streets, and Provençal way of life. On Tuesdays, you can even enjoy the lovely stalls of the market, which boasts over 100 vendors and is considered (rightly so) one of the most beautiful markets in the Var region.
Saint-Martin Castle
Château de Saint-Martin offers a unique wine tourism experience blending history, winemaking expertise, and the exploration of spirits through guided tours, an interactive museum, botanical gardens, and historic cellars. A rich and diverse immersion for wine and culture enthusiasts.
Château Saint-Esprit
Every year in September, Château Saint-Esprit organizes the harvest nights: an introduction to harvesting and winemaking techniques followed by a night's rest in the estate's guest rooms.
Castle Paradise
At Château Paradis, numerous workshops allow visitors to deepen their knowledge of the specific attributes of each grape variety. Even more unique, one workshop invites participants to create their own blend from the grape varieties they have tasted, and then leave with their own cuvée under their arm.
Domaine La Courtade
Meet at the entrance of Domaine de la Courtade to discover how the immersive tour works. For 2.5 hours, you will discover the winemaking process with the technical team, learn about the organization of the harvest while enjoying a snack in the vineyards and freshly pressed juice.
