A Match Made in Provence: Summer Recipes to Pair with Your Vins de Provence Rosé

But first, let’s delve a little deeper into the region itself. Situated in the southeast corner of France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, Provence hugs the coastline of the Côte D’Azur, spanning over 200 kilometres. It’s a region of picture-perfect beauty, where fragrant lavender fields and sun-drenched vineyards meet the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Over 250 days of sunshine are enjoyed here each year, coupled with the Mistral winds, creating the perfect harmony of weather conditions. This, combined with the diverse soil types, results in a unique terroir in which the vines can thrive.

With rosé accounting for 91% of all wine production in this region, Provence is a true paradise for lovers of elegant rosés! The stunning wines produced showcase the inimitable style and class found in the South of France, making it no surprise that these wines have surged in popularity in recent years.

Provence is split into three appellations, the largest being Côtes de Provence AOC, which encompasses five different designations: Fréjus, Sainte-Victoire, La Londe, Pierrefeu and Notre-Dame des Anges. The diverse terroir of this appellation results in rosé with a light and tangy freshness, and a long fruit-forward finish. A harmony of floral and yellow fruits (melon and peach) is often found on the palate, balanced by red fruit flavours and a touch of citrus.

Bordered by the Rhône and Durance rivers, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC is the second largest appellation. Vines here flourish in the rich limestone soils, creating vibrant rosé with that signature pale pink hue. On the nose, floral notes come through followed by intense citrus and melon nuances. The palate is fresh with a zing of acidity, and plenty of complex fruity notes for easy drinking.

Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC is the third appellation and one which is unique in comparison. This area of Provence endures harsh winters due to the altitude and the proximity to the mountains, followed by torrid summers. The resulting wine from this pocket of Provence is rosé with a beautiful minerality. Notes of citrus and tropical fruits are intertwined with fresh red fruit flavours, creating an elegant palate with a distinct freshness.

One thing that really stands out about these delectable rosés is their versatility. From traditional French cuisine to Asian-inspired food, or even a bit of hearty British grub, these stylish and sophisticated wines pair well with a host of dishes, adding a touch of class to any dinner table.

So, whether it’s a summer dinner party or perhaps a casual catch-up with friends, check out these three simple recipes below for some inspiration, all of which arel a match made in heaven with Vins de Provence rosé.

This simple recipe is wonderfully light and perfect for an al fresco meal this summer.

Ingredients

• 500g of cooked potatoes
• 1 small tin of tuna
• 100g of green peas
• 1tsp of cumin
• 45g of grated cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1 lemon

How to Make Tuna Fish Cakes

1. Mash the potatoes and mix with the tinned tuna, peas, cumin, salt and pepper
2. Add in the cheese and mix again
3. Shape the fish cakes into the desired shape
4. Roll the fish cakes in the beaten egg and then breadcrumbs.
5. In a frying pan, fry the fish cakes in a little olive oil for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until brown.

Serve with a green salad and a splash of lemon juice, alongside a glass of Love by Léoube Organic Côtes de Provence 2020 and you are on to a winner. This rosé has picked up five industry awards, and once you’ve tried it you’ll realise why. Pale in colour with notes of red fruits and citrus on the nose, followed by melon and berries on the palate – this one is a real crowd-pleaser.

A light and summery starter, perfect for serving up at your next garden get together.

Ingredients

• 600g of salmon
• 150ml of coconut milk
• 2 limes
• 3 cm piece of fresh ginger
• 1 red onion
• 1 tomato
• Handful of chopped coriander
• Salt and Pepper
• Espelette chilli pepper

How to Make Salmon Ceviche with Coconut Milk

1. Dice the fish into small pieces
2. Peel and grate the ginger, zest the limes and squeeze the juice all into a bowl
3. Add the fish to the lime and ginger mix, along with the coconut milk, salt and pepper and then mix. Leave to marinate for 20 minutes
4. Thinly slice the tomato and onion, and chop the coriander
5. Add the tomato and onion to the marinated fish mix and then top with the coriander and chilli, serve immediately.

This delicately tangy and wonderfully light dish pairs excellently with the Cuvée de L’Aubade Côtes de Provence 2019. This Vin de Provence rosé is dry and fruit driven with a fresh mineral finish and zing of acidity.

Vin de Provence rosé balances the freshness and range of textures in this dish effortlessly. This is the ultimate summer salad.

Ingredients

For the salad

• 150g of baby spinach
• 100g of rocket
• 2 apples
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 celery stalks finely chopped
• 8 Rocamadour goats cheeses
• 40g of pine nuts
• 8 thin slices of spiced bread

For the dressing

• 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of mustard
• 1 pinch of herbs
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Warm Goats Cheese Salad with Spiced Bread

1. Mix together the spinach and rocket and divide on to four plates
2. Slice the apples and drizzle with lemon juice, place these on the salad with pieces of celery
3. Roast pine nuts in a dry pan until slightly golden, and allow to cool before adding to the salad
4. Prepare the dressing by stirring together the mustard, herbs and vinegar. Add olive oil and salt and pepper and mix well
5. Preheat the oven or grill
6. On each slice of bread, add a goats cheese and grill for a few seconds until the cheese begins to melt and turn golden.
7. Add this to the salad and drizzle over the dressing

Pair this dish with the Mahaut Coteaux Varois en Provence Rose 2020 this summer. Produced from a Syrah blend, this is a beautifully refreshing tipple with a delicate acidity. Summer fruit flavours are laced with hints of orchard fruit, resulting in a light and elegant wine.

All of these recipes and more can be found at Les Pépites de Noisette (photo credit goes to Céline Rivier).

To discover more about Vin de Provence rosé and see our full range of wines form this region, head over to the link below.