Nestled alongside the Mediterranean coast, the Camargue area of southern France is known for its gorgeous landscapes of salt marshes, pink flamingos, and white horses. However past its pure magnificence, the Camargue can also be house to an interesting and lesser-known winemaking custom: Le Vin des Sables (Wine of the Sands) and Vin Gris. Grown within the sandy soils close to the historic city of Aigues-Mortes, these wines provide a singular style of the area’s terroir, formed by sea breezes, salt air, and centuries of historical past.
Aigues-Mortes: The Capital of Vin des Sables
Aigues-Mortes, a fortified medieval city surrounded by salt flats, lies about 50 minutes southwest of Arles and is taken into account the center of Vin des Sables manufacturing. Initially based within the thirteenth century by King Louis IX as a strategic Mediterranean port, Aigues-Mortes performed a vital position in France’s maritime and buying and selling historical past. The identical sandy terrain that made the world ultimate for salt manufacturing additionally turned out to be a haven for viticulture. In the present day, Aigues-Mortes and its surrounding vineyards are identified for producing a number of the most distinctive wines in France.
The Distinctive Terroir of Camargue
The vineyards of the Camargue are in contrast to every other in France. The area’s sandy, porous soil is inhospitable to the phylloxera pest, that means that many vines right here stay ungrafted—a rarity within the wine world. The Mediterranean local weather, mixed with salty sea breezes, imparts a particular minerality to the wines, enhancing their crisp and refreshing character. These elements contribute to the individuality of Vin des Sables, making it an distinctive product of its atmosphere.
What’s Vin Gris?
One of the well-known expressions of Vin des Sables is Vin Gris, a pale and delicate rosé. Regardless of its title, Vin Gris (which interprets to “grey wine”) shouldn’t be really grey however a particularly gentle pink, achieved by way of minimal pores and skin contact through the winemaking course of. Not like conventional rosé wines, that are made by permitting purple grape skins to macerate with the juice for an extended interval, Vin Gris is crafted to be ethereal and recent.
The first grape varieties utilized in Vin Gris manufacturing embrace Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, and typically Merlot, all of which thrive within the area’s sandy terroir. The result’s a wine that’s gentle, fragrant, and excellent for heat Mediterranean summers.
Tasting Notes & Pairings
Vin Gris and different Vin des Sables wines are identified for his or her class and freshness. Typical tasting notes embrace:
- Aromas: Citrus zest, white peach, wild strawberries, and delicate floral hints.
- Flavors: A crisp minerality balanced with delicate fruitiness, that includes notes of grapefruit, pear, and tender melon.
- Texture: Mild-bodied with a silky clean end, usually exhibiting a saline high quality from the coastal affect.
With regards to meals pairings, these wines are extremely versatile. They pair fantastically with:
- Mediterranean Delicacies – Dishes with olives, tapenade, and recent herbs carry out the wine’s mineral qualities.
- Seafood – Grilled fish, oysters, shrimp, and bouillabaisse.
- Camargue Rice Dishes – The area is known for its rice, which pairs properly with Vin Gris.
- Summer time Salads – Mild, recent elements like tomatoes, goat cheese, and herbs complement the wine’s crispness.
The place to Style & Purchase Vin des Sables
For these desirous to expertise these distinctive wines firsthand, visiting Aigues-Mortes and its surrounding wineries is a should. Among the most notable producers embrace:
- Domaine Royal de Jarras – One of many largest and most well-known vineyards within the area, identified for producing high-quality Vin Gris.
- Listel – A widely known producer with a protracted historical past of crafting Vin des Sables wines, obtainable internationally.
- Mas de Valériole – A family-run property providing natural wines that mirror the true essence of the Camargue.
If touring isn’t an choice, many of those wines may be discovered on-line or in specialty wine retailers. Search for bottles labeled AOP Sable de Camargue, which ensures the wine’s origin and high quality.
Last Ideas: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
Le Vin des Sables and Vin Gris from Camargue are actually hidden gems of the French wine world. Their distinctive terroir, wealthy historical past, and refreshing flavors make them a must-try for wine fanatics trying to discover past the mainstream. Whether or not sipping a calming glass on a summer time night or pairing it with a seafood feast, these wines provide a real style of the Mediterranean coast. Subsequent time you’re in Provence or looking for an distinctive rosé, don’t overlook the fragile and pleasant wines of Aigues-Mortes and the Camargue.
Subsequent learn : Camargue: Should See Space of Southern France That Will Shock You
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