Three times white from Provence

Last month I spent a week in Normandy. Besides filling myself with cider, I couldn't resist cycling to the local wine shop. A clever idea, cycling, as it kept the purchases somewhat manageable. I noticed the wide selection of wines from Provence. Perhaps the Normans, in those wines, taste the sunshine they so often miss?

Three white wines from Provence were included in the bag. This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this region, which is primarily known as a rosé paradise. Yet, these three wines showcase a typicality you can only find in Provence.

Domaine de Paternel, Cassis, 2022

When I lived in Provence, Cassis always held a special allure. The name alone—Cassis—pronounced in French, sounds so wonderfully romantic. It's also an idyllic coastal town where the weather always seems to be beautiful and the streets look just like you'd expect on the French Riviera. That's why my heart always jumps when I see a wine from Cassis. It rarely happens, because it's incredibly small. The entire AOC is no larger than 290 hectares. So when I saw Domaine de Paternel, I had no choice but to grab it. This wine is a blend of Clairette, Marsanne, and Ugni Blanc. We'd tasted it before in Aix-en-Provence with a plate of pasta al vongole. I can see myself doing it again. Instant summer vibes with this bottle.

Available in the Netherlands at Egrappe .

Chateau Simone, Palette, 2019

Not far from there, tucked away in the even smaller Palette appellation, lies Château Simone. You'll find it in the southwestern tip of Aix-en-Provence, the town where I lived and studied for a few months. The same Aix-en-Provence that painter Cézanne couldn't get enough of. He was particularly captivated by the Montagne de Saint Victoire, which repeatedly appeared in his paintings. And it was precisely that mountain range, along with its chalky soil (Calcaire de Langesse) What makes Palette special? Chateau Simone recognized this early on. The first vineyards were planted by the monks of Grands Carmes d'Aix in the 16th century. Only much later, in 1948, was AOC Palette established. It's tiny; 43 hectares in total, most of which Chateau Simone owns. The white wine is made from a blend featuring Clairette, complemented by Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Muscat, and Bourboulenc. It's unique and highly recommended to try. It's rich and full-bodied thanks to its 18-month oak aging. There's plenty going on: it's spicy, floral (esque jasmine-like), abundant almonds (including those bitter notes), and a distinct marzipan note. Delicious! I'd like a plate of bouillabaisse to go with it.

Available in the Netherlands at De Coninck .

Domaine Tempier, Bandol, 2017

For Tempier, we're heading back to the coast. A fifteen-minute drive—in my experience—from Cassis. Although, in my student days, you had to plan carefully, because the trains only ran a few times a day. Bandol, like Cassis, is also a delightful coastal town, where you can indulge in fresh fish and garlic-sautéed prawns. A top choice is the Domaine Tempier rosé, a serious rosé that still has a certain lightness, but can also perfectly handle such a flavorful dish. This time, we have Tempier's white wine in our glass. A blend that It changes a little every year , but Clairette always dominates. This isn't a beach wine. You need to sit down for this, preferably with a butter-fried sole in front of you. Round, creamy, hazelnuts, developed, marzipan, salted lemon, pineapple. Beautiful!

Available in the Netherlands at Petit Clos .