During our recent trip to the La Londe market, we strolled through the closed-off streets sampling the local produce, seafood and charcuterie. On this particular Sunday, La Londe was featuring local wineries at their annual wine festival and we couldn't help but purchase two tickets...I mean wine glasses! 

As you might guess, rosé was poured by every chateau at the festival, since it's the most popular wine here in Provence, but there were plenty of whites and reds to taste too.

The clear leader across the board was Chateau Maravenne for the quality and style of each of their wines. They are a certified biodynamic winery and were pouring a red, white and rosé. All their wines were smooth, well-integrated and fresh, but we were intrigued by their unique, summery blanc which is 100% Rolle.

Rolle is a much lesser known varietal in New World wines, but is actually quite common in Provence, and even in Northern Italy where it is known as Vermentino.

We loved that while this wine had a great balance of acid and citrus fruit in the mouth, it didn't  leave any unpleasant flavors on the finish. There was also a slight silkiness to the wine that would be ideal with the fresh oysters or sea bass we passed by earlier in the day. Just add a squeeze of lemon on top and viola! A match made in heaven...or Provence!

More on the Fête des Vins de La Londe COMING SOON!