Wines of Provence Make a Splash

2016 was a record year for Wines of Provence and it is not about to end. Provence remains the matchless leader for premium ros wine both in France and abroad, especially in America where the trend is in full swing. The increase, by almost 47%, of Provence ros exports in volume to the U.S. between 2015 and 2016 confirms the trend: the ros revolution is here to stay.

The reasons for this staggering success? Provence wines, internationally celebrated for their emblematic ross, tick all the boxes:

• Unrivalled quality The only region in the world to dedicate 89% of production to ros, Wines of Provence have shaped the category's benchmark. Internationally celebrated for its unique attributes, Provence ros is pale in color, yet endowed with an intense, well-balanced and vivacious bouquet. "What makes Provence so unique is the consistent high quality across various price points. This is a statement of the region's dedication to dry style ros as its primary focus on wine production," comments Arthur Hon, Sommelier at Chicago's Sepia.
• Outstanding palette Trust Provence for your wine match: the region offers a perfect ros for all seasons and cuisines. Depending on production process (freshly pressed or macerated), grape varietals and ageing times, Provence is home to an unequalled diversity of luscious and versatile ross: light and fresh for spring and summer, spicier and darker for fall and winter.
• Iconic lifestyle More than a go-to wine choice, drinking Provence ros has become a way of life: embodying its home region's authentic and casual elegance, and best enjoyed with family and friends, Provence ros will transport you in a single sip to France's scenic region, celebrated for its fine food and lavender landscapes.
• Green excellence Provence is home to France's most sustainable vineyards, setting the record with 24% of vines being organic, compared to a national average of 9.6%. "Producing high-quality wines is also about respecting biodiversity- Provence winemakers understand this and are truly setting the example," says Alain Baccino, President of the Wines of Provence Council. Think pink, drink green!

Americans particularly see la vie en rose with Provence: the second-biggest ros consuming nation after France, the U.S. today represents 43% of Provence's exports in volume, comfortably ranking it number one export market. And everyone is joining in: "There's no longer a gender effect with ros; consumers increasingly see it as they do a great red or white. I sell it to as many men as I do women!" says Nicolas Buffet, wine specialist at Sherry-Lehmann stores. So whatever time of year and regardless of the occasion, whether for a low-key spring dinner, a summer rooftop party or a winter wedding, choose Provence for your year-round needs. Sant!

About Wines of Provence

Wines of Provence, known in France as the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence (CIVP), is an organization representing over 720 wineries and trade companies from the Provence region. Its mission is to promote and advance the wines of the organization's 3 appellations, Ctes de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence. Members together produce 93% of Provence's Appellation d'Origine Protge (AOP) wines. Wines of Provence is the global leader for premium ros wine, accounting for 42% of domestic and 6% of global ros production. The U.S. is Wines of Provence's first export market, 43% of its exports.

Follow @WinesOfProvence and #MastersofRose on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or visit www.winesofprovence.com for more information.