Luberon Wine 101: Essentials to Help You Enjoy Every Sip
You’re planning a trip to Provence, and you’re curious about Luberon wine.
But you’re not after a sommelier’s encyclopedia. You want a brief overview, so I wrote this article.
Every year, I go to Wine & Dine, an annual wine festival in the village of Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon and France. Imagine 30+ Luberon wineries, live music, food, gelato, some dancing…and a lot of wine tasting.
But here’s the thing: I’m not a wine expert…yet.
I simply love wine, and I love going to les fêtes du vin. Good thing I live in the Luberon where there’s no shortage of vineyards and winefests.
I know wine can sometimes feel intimidating. That’s why I noted down all the tips and insights from the best winegrowers. If you’re visiting the Luberon wine region soon, it’d be good to learn a thing or two about our wines.
What is Luberon Wine?
Luberon wine is a type of French wine produced in the Luberon, an area located in the region of Provence in southeastern France.
The wine falls under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) certification that guarantees its quality and authenticity.
In 1988, Luberon wines received AOC status under the name Côtes du Luberon. The name was later changed to simply Luberon in 2009.
🍷 Want to know the best vineyards in Luberon for wine tasting, sightseeing, or staying for a night? Bookmark my curated list of 21 places where you can drink and be merry.
(Btw, if you’re a fan of Ridley Scott’s film A Good Year and are looking for the vineyard and wine from that movie, read this friendly warning.)
What is AOC?
You’ve probably seen fancy wine labels with French words like Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), and wondered what it’s all about. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Think of AOC as a quality stamp. It’s a French certification given to specific agricultural products—mostly wine—that meet certain strict standards.
But it’s not just about quality. It’s also about where the wine comes from and how it’s made.
1. Geographical Location: AOC wines must come from a specific area in France. The location gives the wine its unique character, taste, and aroma. And the kind of grapes they are (legally) allowed to use.
Today, there are over 300 AOCs for wines and spirits in France. Other popular French wine AOCs you may already know include Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne (Burgundy), and Champagne.
Avoid this tourist faux pas (and some French frowns):
In France, calling any sparkling wine “Champagne” is like wearing leggings or cycling shorts as outerwear – a big no-no. You can call it “Champagne” only if it’s made in the said region.
2. Production Standards: There’s a set way to grow the grapes and make the wine in that particular area. Everyone has to follow these rules to get the AOC approval.
3. Fighting Fraud: The AOC was created to make sure that if a wine bottle says it’s from a particular place, it really is. This way, you know you’re getting the real deal.
4. The European Connection: The French AOC is aligned with a European standard called the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP). It’s the same idea but the latter covers the European Union.
Fun fact:
Did you know it’s not just the wines of Provence that has the AOP designation? Our olive oil is also a star!
In 2020, an AOP was established for “Huile d’Olive de Provence,” making it the first appellation to cover an entire region.
5. The Importance of “Terroir”: This is a special word in the wine world. It pertains to the mix of elements where the grape grows: soil, climate, and viticultural practices of the winemaking region. It’s what gives the wine its unique flavor and quality.
What Makes Luberon Wine Special?
From what I’ve gathered from the winegrowers I spoke with, there are three (3) key things that make Luberon wine special:
- Climate. Luberon’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for grape cultivation: hot, dry summers and mild winters. Cool nights, thanks to the altitude and the mountains, allow grapes to maintain good acidity and balance.
- Geography. Luberon AOC is a mountain appellation, growing vines at an altitude of 200 to 500 meters. The soil has a rich blend of Miocene sands, limestone, and red clay, giving these wines their distinct character.
- Centuries of winemaking know-how. The South of France has a long, rich Roman history, and this includes viticulture.
However, don’t go looking for ancient vines still growing in the Luberon. Ask the elders in Provence, and they will likely tell you about the infamous frost of February 1956. It was when temperatures suddenly went from +12°C down to -25°C (+54°F to -13°F), killing almost all olive trees and grapevines.
What Grape is Luberon?
The Luberon region makes three types of wines: red, white, and rosé.
Grapes used for Luberon red and rosé wines: Grenache noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and white grape varieties (10% maximum for the reds and 20% maximum for the rosés).
Grapes used for Luberon white wines: Grenache blanc, Vermentino, Clairette blanche, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni blanc, and Viognier.
Learn more about Luberon wine grapes here.
What Does Luberon Wine Taste Like?
The Luberon rosés and whites taste fruity and fresh, while the reds are more peppery and spicy.
Luberon rosé
Rosé is the salmon pink wine known for its fresh, fruity notes, often reminiscent of strawberries and redcurrants. You might even detect a hint of something more exotic in its flavor profile. It’s a favorite summer drink.
Best paired with: Barbecues, Provençal appetizers, and stuffed vegetables.
Don’t like the taste of wine but want to try Luberon wine anyway?
First of all, the Luberon produces about 50% rosés compared to reds and whites. So you can’t come here and not try it. 😉
Second, give rosé a try. It’s fresh, mild, and often fruity.
When I asked wine experts at the Wine & Dine Festival, “What’s the best Luberon wine for those who don’t like wine?” The answer was unanimous: rosé.
Luberon red wine
The Luberon red wine tastes bold, with flavors like blackcurrants, blackberries, and raspberries. It might remind you of earthy smells like truffles and leather. Some variations might include a hint of pepper and spice but maintains a fresh taste.
Best paired with: Beef and the famous Luberon lamb
Luberon white wine
The white wines are lively and well-balanced, with gentle flavors of fruits like peaches, apricots, and grapefruits, and flowery scents like honeysuckle.
Best paired with: Seafood and Provençal goat cheeses
Wine Events in the Luberon
Wine and fun? Always a winning combo. Luberon’s calendar of wine events has something for everyone.
Available most of the year
Tastings in Wineries and Vineyards
Got an urge to be fancy without the fuss? Check out the Luberon’s vineyards and wine estates by village here.
Swirl, sniff, sip, and maybe pretend to understand the subtle notes of oak and blackberry. Or just enjoy the wine. Either way, it’s a win!
Tip: To avoid disappointment, call ahead or book your slot online. Most wineries have their own website, and you can reserve with them directly.
It’s not fun to show up at a winery only to be told it’s fully booked or the sommelier is absent.
Available in the summer and/or fall
Sunsets Vignerons (Sunsets in Vineyards)
Picture this: every Tuesday evening in the summer, local winegrowers turn into tour guides.
They will take you on a leisurely stroll through the vineyards, where you’ll learn about how wine is made. After that, you’ll visit the cellars and cap the evening with wine tasting and local appetizers.
You can enjoy Sunsets Vignerons until September.
Wine and Dine Festival
This annual mid-July bash is not your typical wine event. Think 30+ winegrowers, live music, street food, ice cream, and did I mention wine?
If you’ve ever wanted to party with local wine pros in Lourmarin, here’s your chance. You can even buy bottles of wines on promo.
Concerts in the Vineyards
Have you ever been to an open-air concert in a European vineyard? Live music + excellent wines + grapevine backdrop. Sometimes there’s a cháteau.
Cinema in the Vineyards
This sounds like a thing you’d see in movies except here in the Luberon, it’s a normal activity.
Luberon’s vineyards transform into open-air cinemas showcasing French films. It’s like a drive-in, minus the car, plus the wine. So grab a glass, find a spot, and enjoy the show under the stars.
Watch this page on Fascinant Weekend for updates on dates and venues.
FAQs About Luberon Wine
What grape is Luberon wine?
The grape varieties mainly used in Luberon wines include Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault for reds and rosés; Grenache Blanc and Vermentino for whites.
What is the best Luberon wine for people who don’t like wine?
Luberon rosé is known for its fresh and fruity flavors, making it an appealing and easy-to-understand option even for those who might not typically enjoy wine. Similarly, when ordering wine, opt for fruity (fruité) instead of dry (sec).
Why is Provence rosé so popular?
Rosé is reminiscent of summer parties and chic French soirées. It’s cute, pink, and Instagrammable. While there could be many reasons, rosé expert Elizabeth Gabay, MW, points out: “It also appeals to people who can drink a glass in the sunshine and fantasize that their life has some glamour.”