Between the Rhône and Provence
Recognised in 1988 as Côtes du Luberon and renamed Luberon in 2009, the appellation spans around thirty communes in Vaucluse, between Cavaillon and the outskirts of Manosque, in the heart of the Luberon regional natural park.
Its position on the boundary between the Rhône valley and Provence is reflected in both its wines and its grape mix, which includes Vermentino, a Provençal and Corsican variety.
High-altitude vineyards
The vineyards lie between two hundred and four hundred and fifty metres, on limestone soils, molasse and stony terraces. The Luberon massif shelters plots from the mistral while maintaining cool nights.
As in Ventoux, this temperature contrast is the key asset: it produces wines lower in alcohol and tauter than the southern average.
The place of whites
Luberon stands out for a white proportion unusual in the Rhône: nearly a quarter of production. Vermentino, Grenache blanc, Clairette and Ugni blanc yield lively wines with citrus, white peach and floral notes.
Reds are supple and fruity, to drink within five years and serve around 15–16°C. Rosés, also prominent, emphasise Provençal freshness.