A black grape planted widely in southern France. Pale in colour and low in tannin, with red fruit and floral perfume. That lightness makes it indispensable in Provençal rosé, and in reds it is blended with Grenache and others to lift the whole.
Thought to originate in the Languedoc. Heat tolerant, drought resistant and productive, it drove bulk production in the 20th century. In South Africa it was called Hermitage, and it is known as the parent that, crossed with Pinot Noir, produced Pinotage.
The pale colour and lightness of Provençal rosé owe much to this grape. Varietal reds are rare, but served slightly chilled it belongs on a summer table. Its role as a parent of Pinotage adds to the interest.
As France's second-largest wine region, the Rhône produces distinctly different wine styles in the north and south. The north features elegant yet powerful wines from single-variety Syrah, while the south produces warm, generous wines from Grenache-based blends. Home to world-renowned appellations like Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Provence is renowned as the world's premier rosé wine region. Under the Mediterranean climate, beautifully pale salmon-pink rosés are produced. The delicate, fresh flavors from blends of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre are beloved worldwide as a summer staple. The landscape of lavender fields and blue seas adds to the region's allure.