We know of no happier place to visit than the sun-drenched French region of Provence. To descend on final approach into Nice is gain privileged witness to all of its charms in a single five minute panorama as the plane crosses lavender covered mountains, vineyards, opulent settlements like Antibes and Juan‑les‑Pins, busy crowded beaches and les aménagements of every conceivable period of history. For Provence (originally Provincia Romana, the Republics’ first holding outside of Italy) has been at the crossroads of human development for hundreds of thousands of years. The Romans found a thriving Greek colony that was already big on wines, olives and all the other appurtenances of Classical Civilisation. Many asseverate that the traditions of that Civilisation were never entirely lost here while the rest of Europe collapsed into the Dark Ages. And under the Counts of Provence a thriving new culture, a medieval “cool” of artists and poets re emerged into the sunlight of a growing prosperity which has somehow survived invasions, religious wars, papal exiles, revolutions, world wars and even competition from fast food empires.
But fans of this column will want to know “What do they drink, and where can we get some?” Old Provençal hands will recognise names like Bandol , Cassis (the appellation, not the liqueur) and pastis almost from their subconscious. And every good bar will run a line in beers like Kronenbourg 1664 for hot days in hilltop villages. But today we are going to go with one of our all-time favourites : Côtes de Provence Rosé: the big, sunlit workhorse of the region: pale, saline, herbal, carrying the taste of every fine holiday spent, and memory generated, in this glorious region. As usual we shall offer three types, thus suiting every pocket. And although based on the English market, which is sadly all we know, les connaisseurs of all lands will find enough to adapt to their own circumstances
Sensible and sure
ASDA Château de Gairoird Côtes de Provence Rosé ~£12–£14 Dry, fresh, strawberry‑and‑citrus, clean finish. A proper Provence rosé without the lifestyle‑inflation tax.
Polished mid‑range
Sainsburys M de Minuty Rosé ~£17–£20 Peach, watermelon, a touch of herbs, very Côte d’Azur. The one people bring to dinner parties when they want to look tasteful but not ostentatious.
Premium, but not insane
Waitrose Whispering Angel (single bottle) ~£18–£25 Ultra‑pale, refined, citrus blossom, mineral finish. As often with Waitrose, you’ll be paying a bit more-but we think you’ll notice the difference.
That’s three fine choices by which anyone can enjoy a taste of Provence without actually selling a kidney. À la vôtre !, or as they say in Old Provence :Santat!
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