Pierrevert AOP

Pierrevert AOP occupies a distinct corner of Provence in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, spanning 11 communes along the Durance and Verdon rivers. The appellation sits at the confluence of the Provence and Rhône Valley wine regions, giving it a character that bridges both worlds. At an average elevation of 450 meters and reaching peaks of 550 meters, Pierrevert ranks among the highest vineyard areas in all of France. Its compact 450-hectare footprint makes it one of the smallest appellations in Provence.

• Centered around the village of Pierrevert and the town of Manosque
• Spans 11 communes across the Durance and Verdon river valleys
• Sits at the geographic crossroads of Provence and the Rhône Valley
• One of the northernmost appellations in Provence

The climate is Mediterranean in character but shaped substantially by Alpine influences from the surrounding mountains. With 320 days of sunshine per year, the growing season is long and warm, yet the proximity to the Alps drives significant day-to-night temperature variations that preserve acidity and build aromatic complexity in the wines. Soils vary across the appellation: clay-limestone and chalky-limestone with gravel predominate, while sandy soils develop over molasse and gravelly soils extend from the Valensole plateau. This range of soil types across varying elevations contributes to the diversity of wines produced.

• 320 days of sunshine per year
• Large diurnal temperature swings due to Alpine proximity preserve freshness and floral aromatics
• Clay-limestone and chalky-limestone soils with gravel are the primary soil types
• Sandy soils over molasse and gravelly Valensole plateau soils add further complexity

Pierrevert AOP authorizes a broad palette of grape varieties drawn from both Provence and the Rhône Valley traditions. For red and rosé wines, Grenache noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Carignan are the principal varieties, with Téoulier also permitted. Red wines must include a minimum combined 70% of Grenache noir and Syrah, with each accounting for at least 30% individually. White wines draw on Clairette blanche, Grenache blanc, Ugni blanc, Roussanne, Vermentino, Marsanne, Picpoul, Rolle, and Viognier.

• Grenache noir and Syrah are the anchor varieties for red wines, each required at a minimum of 30%
• Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Téoulier also permitted for red and rosé
• White varieties include Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Vermentino, Rolle, and Clairette blanche
• The variety mix reflects Pierrevert's position between Provence and Rhône Valley wine culture

Rosé is the dominant style at Pierrevert, accounting for over 60% of production. These wines are noted for subtle fruity notes and delicate floral aromas, qualities driven directly by the appellation's high-altitude freshness and large diurnal temperature swings. Red wines represent 25 to 31% of production and tend toward elegance rather than weight. White wines, at 10 to 16% of production, complete the appellation's range. Across all three colors, the defining character of Pierrevert wines is freshness, a trait that distinguishes them from the fuller, warmer-climate expressions found elsewhere in Provence.

• Rosé comprises over 60% of total production
• Wines are characterized by elegance, freshness, and delicate floral aromas
• High elevation and Alpine temperature swings are the primary drivers of the appellation's signature freshness
• Red wines account for 25-31% of production; whites for 10-16%

Pierrevert has a documented history as a delimited wine zone dating to 1959, when it was classified as a VDQS under the name Coteaux de Pierrevert. After nearly four decades, the appellation was promoted to full AOC status on July 1, 1998. In 2009 it was renamed Pierrevert, dropping the Coteaux de prefix, and in 2011 it transitioned to the AOP designation in line with European Union wine classification reforms. Notable producers working within the appellation today include Petra Viridis, Château Saint Jean Lez Durance, Domaine La Blaque, Château Rousset, Domaine de Régusse, and Domaine des Bergeries de Haute-Provence.

• VDQS status granted in 1959 as Coteaux de Pierrevert
• Promoted to AOC on July 1, 1998
• Renamed Pierrevert in 2009; upgraded to AOP in 2011
• Six notable producers currently active within the appellation