IGP Méditerranée wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

I.G.P.

The Méditerranée protected geographical indication spans ten departments across south-eastern France: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardèche, Bouches-du-Rhône, Drôme, Var, Vaucluse, Corse-du-Sud and Haute-Corse, covering the entire south-eastern quarter of the country. This area brings together contrasting landscapes: limestone Provence to the west and north, crystalline Provence around the Maures and Esterel massifs, the foothills of the southern Alps, the Rhône valley, and Corsica's coastal vineyards. A shared Mediterranean climate, hot, dry and windy, unites them; the mistral and the humid southern sea winds play a regulating and sanitary role for the vines. Soils are predominantly limestone-based and naturally well drained, with vines often planted on hillsides or near elevated relief. The range of permitted varieties is wide, with grenache, syrah, cinsault, carignan, cabernet sauvignon and merlot forming the core of red and rosé blends, and grenache blanc, vermentino, clairette, marsanne, roussanne and viognier dominating the whites.

The wines of this appellation

The appellation produces still wines and quality sparkling wines in all three colours. Reds show a deep garnet colour and ripe, supple tannins; their aromatic profile, dominated by red or ripe fruit, can develop notes of vanilla or toast. This tannic suppleness suits them to being enjoyed young. Rosés, with a pale colour whose intensity depends on pressing, and whites, pale yellow with green highlights, aim for a balance between fruit, concentration and freshness. Sparkling wines, made from the least alcoholic, most vibrant base wines, stand out for their liveliness, aromatic finesse and fine bubble, with rosé particularly well represented among them. These wines pair naturally with Mediterranean cuisine: reds with grilled meats and slow-cooked dishes, rosés and whites with fish, seafood and grilled vegetables, and sparkling wines as an aperitif.