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 History |
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The history of the Aix vineyards is intermingled with that of Provence itself, with origins dating back to the
6th century BC. After the Romans and the monks who did so much for vine production, the Counts of Provence subsequently contributed to their prosperity. Their vineyards extended to form a triangle with Saint-Rémy de Provence, l’étang de Berre and Montagne Sainte-Victoire at its apex.
IT was then, in the 15th Century, that King René, known as the Roy Vigneron, (or wine producer king), extended letters of nobility to the vineyard making it known to most of the courts of Europe. The region’s vineyards became known as Coteaux du Roy René in 1946, and ten years later were granted the appellation of VDQS Coteaux d’Aix. By a decree of 24 December 1985, the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée qualification finally rewarded the quality efforts and perseverance of the vineyards. Now part of the renown of Provence in the heart of which they are rooted, the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence wines are respected by wine lovers all over the world. |
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Appellation areas |
The Appellation des Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence area is in the western part of Provence’s limestone stretches. It spreads out from the Durance to the Mediterranean and from the Rhône Valley in the west to Montagne Sainte-Victoire in the East. The sedimentary basins where the wine production activity is concentrated are between the relief structures comprising a succession of small ranges running parallel to the coast - chaîne de la Nerthe, chaîne de la Fare, chaîne d’Eguilles and la Trévaresse, chaînon des Costes extending into the Alpilles. |
Climate |
The climate is Mediterranean, punctuated by the Mistral, the cold and dry dominant wind from the north. It means that the average annual sunshine falling on this appellation is 2,900 hours. Light rainfall – between 550 and 680 mm per annum – is concentrated essentially in spring and autumn. |
Geology |
Most of the soil is:
- stony, argillaceous limestone,
- sandy, often gravelly on molasse and sandstone,
- stony with an argillaceous clayey or silt-sand matrix on the terraces of the Arc or the Durance |
Professional contact |
Syndicat des Vins Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
Maison des Agriculteurs / 22 av Henri Pontier
13626 AIX EN PROVENCE
Tel: 33 (0)4 42 23 57 14
E-mail: vins@coteauxaixenprovence.com |
 Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence's booklet in pdf
Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Provence
Maison des Vins
83460 Les Arcs-sur-Argens - France |  |
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