Bouches-du-Rhone: Chateau de Fontcreuse Mussuguet Red

A vast area in south-eastern France, stretching from Arles to Nice and from the Luberon to the Alpes-Maritimes in the foothills of the Alps. Its wines are shaped by the warm Mediterranean climate and the famous 'mistral' wind, which plays an integral part in keeping the vineyards healthy. Provence produces red, white, and rosé, but is above all celebrated for its pale, dry, and elegant rosés, which are in high demand worldwide. With an extraordinary contrast of styles and a growing reputation for quality, the region has a promising future.

An IGP covering the department of the same name at the heart of Provence, between the Mediterranean coast, the Rhône, and the Durance river to the north. Where the surrounding AOCs are dominated by rosé, this flexible designation gives winemakers the freedom to experiment, and it is increasingly becoming Provence's source for characterful red wine. Around 90% of production is red, built chiefly on Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Caladoc - the Syrah-Caladoc blend is emerging as a regional signature - alongside international varieties and a wide range of whites led by Chardonnay.