les-baux-de-provence wine festival | provence events
During the annual Les Baux de Provence wine festival - "Fête des Vignerons des Baux" - held in May, you can come and join us for a wonderful celebration of local food and wine.
Les Baux is fascinating little microcosm of the world of Provence winemaking into the 21st century, where age-old traditions and methods are still being used, even if new thinking and modern technology is not far away. Whilst some areas - great swathes of the Languedoc for example – have been completely modernised, it is fascinating to see the development of the wines from this tiny, relatively isolated region.
The Appellation Contrôlée area of Les Baux de Provence wines was created less than a decade ago. It separates this enclave from the larger Côteaux-d'Aix-en-Provence AOC for reds and rosés, whilst for the moment whites remain under the larger AOC. Vines planted here are mostly typical of the southern Rhône, including Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Counois for reds, with Rolle, Clairette and Ugni Blanc for whites. There are also plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sémillon.
Because this is a tiny appellation of only a dozen estates, it would be easy to think of it as a winemaking backwater. Indeed, the wines tend to display an element of rusticity, with a deal of grippy tannin and little truck with flattering, sweet new oak. For palates schooled on the reds of the New World, or modern Vins de Pays from the nearby region of the Languedoc, these wines might be accused of having a slightly old-fashioned character. But this style should not be confused with poor winemaking or lack of quality! These Les Baux de Provence wines are made to be drunk with classic Provence cuisine, where that suggestion of rusticity is transformed into a wonderfully supple, savoury appealing wines.
Visiting the dozen estates of the region can easily be done in a couple of days by car. Making appointments is recommended, as not all estates have official visitor centres. Our friendly staff will be happy to help make arrangements for your wine tour.
La Benvengudo is your ideal choice amongst all the Provence hotels. Located in the heart of Provence, our hotel offers easy access to the delightful village of Les Baux de Provence. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles, Avignon are nearby and Marseille International Airport is just over an hour away... See all the Provence attractions, events and historical locations that surround us. Make an online hotel reservation, enquire online or call our friendly Reservations Team on ++33 (0)4 90 54 32 54 to book. Browse our classic Provence hotel accommodation rooms or explore our Provence hotel specials, packages and deals for your Provence holidays, romantic getaways or weekend and mid-week escapes.
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