IGP Alpilles: Freshness and Elegance in Provence
Discreet, elegant, rooted in a luminous terroir... IGP Alpilles ticks all the boxes of the new generation of Provençal wine. Less well known than Coteaux d’Aix or Les Baux-de-Provence, this protected geographical indication is gradually asserting itself as a space for refined expressions, like the creations of Domaine d’Estoublon.
What is IGP Alpilles?
IGP Alpilles is a protected geographical indication covering part of the Bouches-du-Rhône, around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Fontvieille, Eygalières, and Maussane-les-Alpilles. In the shadow of the limestone hills of the Alpilles massif, vines have been cultivated since Antiquity.
Here, southern grape varieties express themselves with finesse on poor limestone soils, caressed by the Mistral wind. The hot climate is tempered by cool nights, and harvests are often early. IGP regulations allow great freedom in blending, resulting in unique cuvées, often with a very contemporary style.
The style of IGP Alpilles wines
IGP Alpilles allows the production of red, white, and rosé wines. In practice, reds dominate in volume, often based on Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, or Merlot. Whites, rarer, are gaining notoriety thanks to their freshness and precision: Rolle (also known as Vermentino), Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, or Clairette show beautiful expression here. As for rosés, they exist but remain more anecdotal compared to other Provence IGPs.
Alpilles wines are marked by creative freedom: winemakers can experiment with diverse grape varieties and custom vinification methods. This explains the diversity of styles, and the rise of cult cuvées from estates such as Trévallon, Hauvette, Estoublon, or Valdition.
You’ll find in IGP Alpilles wines :
• freshness and balance, despite the sun
• mineral tension, from the limestone soils
• a subtle aromatic palette : dried herbs, citrus, white fruits, soft spices
• a lot of precision in the winemaking
This elegant signature attracts wine lovers looking for racy Provence wines without heaviness.
Key figures for IGP Alpilles
•78% red wines
• 19% rosés
• 3% whites
• 19 communes around the Alpilles massif
• Mainly limestone soils, yields limited to 90 hl/ha (source: INAO)
Our cuvées from Domaine d’Estoublon
At the foot of the Alpilles, Domaine d’Estoublon has been cultivating vines and olive trees since 1489. On this sunlit highland, white wines take on a chiseled, fresh character, far from southern clichés.
Domaine d’Estoublon Blanc 2020 – IGP Alpilles
An expressive white wine, floral and slightly aniseed, based on Rolle and Grenache Blanc. On the palate, beautiful tension, citrus notes, and a saline finish perfect for seafood.
100% Grenache Blanc 2018 – Domaine d’Estoublon
A more structured, full-bodied cuvée, with ripe pear notes, fennel, and elegant bitterness. Ideal with roast poultry or Provençal cuisine.
These two cuvées perfectly embody the spirit of IGP Alpilles: freshness, precision, terroir.
Why we love the Alpilles at Vinodelice
Because it’s a Provence of character, away from trends, where elegance takes precedence over excess. Because the terroirs are alive, the landscape magnificent, and the wines sincere. And because when we open a white from Domaine d’Estoublon, we instantly want to set a stone table, bring out fresh goat cheese, and watch the sun set over the olive trees.
Want to discover more?
IGP Alpilles is a gateway to authentic wines, at the crossroads of nature and elegance. Explore all our cuvées from this confidential terroir, and let yourself be surprised by this mineral, luminous, and free-spirited Provence.
👉 See all wines from Château d’Estoublon
