Definition: Luberon AOC (côtes-du-)

Southern Rhône Valley region. Production area located within 36 municipalities in Vaucluse, on both sides of the Luberon mountain, with Mirabeau being the easternmost town. Classified as an AOC in 1988. Area under production: just over 3,720 hectares. White grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Rolle (or Vermentino) and Ugni (maximum 50%); additional grape varieties for a maximum of 20% separately or together, Marsanne and Roussanne; black grape varieties: Grenache and Syrah for a minimum of 60% together; minimum 10% for Syrah; maximum 20% for Cinsaut or Carignan; and Mourvèdre; accessory grape varieties together or separately for a maximum of 10%, Counoise, Gamay, Piquepoul and Pinot. Vinified as: white (20%), rosé (20%) and red for the majority. They must be made from a blend of several grape varieties. They can be kept for: 3 to 4 years for white; 2 to 3 years for rosé; 5 to 6 years for red. Ideal serving temperature: between 10 and 11°C for white and rosé; between 15 and 16°C for red. Pairings: white wines with shellfish, sea fish, and pieds-paquets; rosé wines with fish in sauce, charcuterie, escargots, or barbecued meats; red wines with lamb, coq au vin, daube, wild boar, or chicken with aubergines.