Three reasons why Provence reds and whites are the perfect holiday wines

Celebrated for its fine food and ros wine, Provence, France's iconic Southeastern region, is also home to a wide array of premium white and red wines you definitely should consider sipping during the holidays. For those ready to explore Provence's lesser-known offerings, here are three fabulous reasons to think beyond pink this season.

They make the perfect gift

Looking for a unique Christmas gift to surprise the many wine enthusiasts in your life? Help them discover the hidden red and white gems of Provence from Ctes de Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP.

"While ross represent 89% of Provence's total production, the region's white wines are fresh and full of flavor while the reds are lively, lush and velvety," said Arthur Hon, sommelier at Chicago's Sepia. "Not only are they flavorful and unexpected, they're also the perfect holiday gift idea for all wine lovers in search of premium and high-quality sipping in all simplicity."

Whether you are the host or the guest, rest assured: you can never go wrong with a bottle of Provence wine. But beware! You might end up wanting to keep it for yourself.

• Provence Reds: When in doubt, go red! Red wines from Provence made from grape varieties traditionally grown in the region such as Grenache, Syrah, and Tibouren - an authentic Provence variety- will seduce any bold red enthusiasts with their intense color that vary from ruby red to deep purple. Fresh and fruity, their flavors of blackberries, pepper and licorice will please your palate.

• Provence Whites: Capturing the key aromatic characteristics of the region's grapes Vermentino, Grenache Blanc and Ugni Blanc Provence whites are elegant and sophisticated. Fresh and well-balanced on the palate, these wines show flavors of exotic fruits, pineapple and citrus as well as delicate notes of white flowers and aromas of mint and sage.

They are food friendly

Provence red and white wines are delicious by themselves, but taste even better when paired with your holiday meals. Whether you are planning to serve seafood on an Instagram-ready platter, roast some fall vegetables or even bake a chocolate dessert, be sure to impress your guests with these high-quality wines.

• Provence Whites: Fresh, full and round on the palate, they are perfect for your Christmas feast: their delicate flavors work well as an aperitif, with appetizers like shrimp cocktail, or even vegetarian dishes such as balsamic tomato and pesto canaps and mushroom tartlets. They will also elegantly magnify all kind of soft cheeses, especially goat's cheese.

• Provence Reds No holiday gatherings would be complete without an intense red wine. Those from Provence match well with meats grilled with herbs from Provence, Christmas ham or vegetable dishes. Fuller-bodied and powerful reds make great partners for traditional beef stew, game with spicy sauces and cumin ribs.

They will provide an unequalled experience

Bring flare and flavors to your table this season with a refined selection of Provence wines to enjoy with your beloved ones. Embracing their home region's authenticity, hospitality and warmth, these wines will lend a modern and original touch of Provence to any end-of-year gathering.

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 96% 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, 40% in volume of its exports.

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SOURCE Wines of Provence