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PROVENCE: GEOGRAPHY MATTERS
“Provence” has more efficacy as a "brand" than as a place. One rarely if ever hears any residents of the Vaucluse say that they live in "Provence." The word is heard frequently in its adjectival form: provençal.
As geography, the term "Provence" suffers abuse. The French consider contemporary 'Provence' to take in three administrative department:
- Vaucluse
- Bouches-du-Rhône
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Confusion pops up due to the administrative region PACA: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
When "Provence" is employed for the department of the Var (Toulon, St, Tropez) or the department of the Alpes-Maritime (Côte d'Azur) or even the five departments of the Languedoc-Roussillon, it is the "brand" asserting itself.
This is a regional distinction that Peter Mayle buys into 100% in his book Provence A-Z. In fact, if Mayle had been 'geographically-correct,' his iconic best seller would have been titled "A Year in the Luberon."
The Luberon and the Comtat Venaissin, referred to as the “Comtat,” are the two large regions within the Vaulcuse,
Category Archives: Wine
Provence Wine Shops and Wine Tours: Romancing the Grape in Avignon, Arles, Apt, Menerbes, Malaucene, Aix-en-Provence and Marseille
Any place that you stay in Provence is only a hop and a jump to the wine cellars of vineyards and wine cooperatives, which are sprinkled about the countryside, where you can buy direct from winemakers for prices well under … Continue reading
Vaucluse: Michelin Star Restaurants With Their Wine Lists Online. Only 5 Out of 16. Southern Rhone Reds to Quaff This Summer
For those who invest extraordinary emotions into wine, the selection of a bottle(s) at a Michelin star establishment can provoke anxiety mixed with pleasure, the reason why for wine enthusiasts the carte des vins gets a first look before the … Continue reading
Summer Warm Wine Warning: Quaff the Region’s Red Wines at Proper Temps – 15-17°C / 59-63°F
Keep it cool! The Ice Bag is a red wine lover’s accoutrement du jour in the Southern Rhone. A summertime mis-en-scene: your waiter uncorks a bottle of red wine from a quality winery, one you ordered with conviction as a wine … Continue reading
Lourmarin: Peter Mayle’s Unavoidably Poignant Dedication to Winemaker Allen Chevalier in “The Marseille Caper”
When PVB commented on a restaurant mentioned in “The Marseille Caper,” a few readers inquired about the background of Allen Chevalier, the object of Peter Mayle’s unavoidably poignant dedication: “To the loving memory of Allen Chevalier, A good friend who … Continue reading
Saint Jean du Barroux: Philippe Gimel Created a Cult Brand, the Hottest Bottles in the Ventoux and Wine Fans Worldwide. How So? What Next?
From a marketing perspective, it has been a perfect campaign. When Philippe Gimel purchased the winery that he came to brand Saint Jean du Barroux (SJB), he got on with the task of reinvigorating a vineyard mostly on his own, … Continue reading
La Gramière: Ebullient American Winemakers Amy and Matt ‘dans les vignes’ in the Gard Provencal; 2009 La Gramière Offered at Garagiste Dot Com
At first glance, the cheery blog of the winery La Gramière in the Gard Provencal evokes an immense pleasure in everything winemaking. Americans Amy Lillard and Matt Kling are telling the story of life among the vines. They’re lov’n it, … Continue reading
Changing Colors of Rose: Provence Wine Council (CIVP) Femininizes a Brand Image. The Lipstick Factor?
Rosé is the carefree wine that you are preconditioned to order and enjoy as the typical Provencal aperitif. At first sip, everyone approves of whatever rosé is poured into his or her glass. This is a nearly universal phenomenon: a … Continue reading