IGP Méditerranée French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
IGP Méditerranée is a large regional protected geographical indication spanning Provence, the southern Rhône and the Alps foothills, best known for fresh, pale rosés and sunny, fruit-forward reds and whites.
More info about IGP Méditerranée
Geographic position
Southeastern France, across ten departments including the Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Drôme, Ardèche, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes and Corsica, from the Mediterranean coast to the Rhône Valley.
Origin & history
The Greeks founded Marseille around 600 BC and brought the vine to Provence, France's oldest wine region. The Vin de Pays Méditerranée was created in 1999 and became an IGP in 2009, letting producers blend across the region and use grapes outside the AOC rules.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly rosé, then red and white. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds and rosés; Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat for whites. Expect bright red fruit, citrus and herbs.
Climate & soil
Hot, sunny Mediterranean climate with the Mistral. Limestone, clay, sand, schist and alluvial soils.
Wine region: Provence
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscat, Syrah, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier