Provence's most brilliant point was during the 14th and 15th centuries and in the past. Only in recent years have some vineyards reached AOC or VDQS status. The red wines made here are usually more interesting than the white wines.
Since its high time several of the other regions have gained in status, whereas Provence has lost importance. The poor inhabitants had other problems to worry about and couldn't concentrate on making quality wines. Since 1977 four districts have reached AOC level. These are Côtes de Provence, Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Coteaux Varois and Coteaux des Baux.
The climate is great its its 3000 hours of sun a year, but can cause severe damage with sudden storms in the autumn. It isn't possible to save the vines from these autumn-storms every year.
A total of 58 vines are permitted in Provence. The most important are the Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourv, Syrah for the red wines, and Bourboulenc, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc and Vermentino for white. There are regional variations on almost every vine. The rosé wines are the most popular. The red wines will be interesting in the future, the white wines are flat with low alcohol content. There are always exeptions to this rule.
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