A yacht charter in Côte d’Azur is the pinnacle of luxury, offering an unrivalled combination of breathtaking scenery, first-class service, and exceptional culinary experiences. As you sail along the spectacular coastline of the South of France, from the glamorous harbours of Monaco and Cannes to the charming bays of Saint-Tropez, every moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in elegance and tranquillity.
Beyond the crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched beaches, a yachting experience in this region is not complete without fine food and wine pairings. To enhance your journey, Riviera Wine has carefully selected three outstanding wines that perfectly complement the rich and diverse flavours of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you are enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on deck, a sunset aperitif, or a refined dining experience at anchor, these wines highlight the very best of Côte d’Azur’s renowned gastronomy, creating an unforgettable voyage of taste and discovery.
Rosé: Domaine Ott – Château de Selle
Domaine Ott is synonymous with Provence’s winemaking heritage, and its name is intrinsically linked to the global rise of rosé wine. Founded in 1896 by Marcel Ott, the estate initially focused on producing exceptional wines from the heart of Provence. A fascinating part of the Domaine Ott story is how it played a pivotal role in transforming rosé from a simple summer drink into a refined, world-class wine. The estate’s iconic Château de Selle rosé, with its elegant structure and delicate aromas, helped set the standard for Provence’s fine rosés and contributed to the region’s renown for world-class rosé production.
Made primarily from Grenache, with Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah adding depth, this wine boasts an elegant salmon-pink hue flecked with silver. The nose opens with a hint of exotic fruits, followed by notes of jasmine and white-fleshed fruit, wrapped in a delicate minerality. On the palate, the wine is remarkably soft, revealing all the complexity of the summer fruits. Its silky texture evolves gently towards a chalky mineral finish that perfectly complements the Mediterranean setting, set off by a subtle hint of white pepper.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy this exquisite rosé with a classic Salade Niçoise, where the wine’s crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes enhance the freshness of the tuna, olives, and anchovies. The harmony of local flavors is simply unbeatable.
White: Château de Beaucastel – Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
For those seeking a vibrant white wine experience, Château de Beaucastel offers an exceptional choice. This prestigious estate in the Rhône Valley has a legacy that spans generations, and it has long been recognised for its pioneering approach to winemaking. One particularly fascinating aspect of the estate is that, in the 1950s, it was one of the first in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to experiment with blending all 13 authorized grape varieties. This innovative approach led to the creation of wines of exceptional complexity and finesse, particularly their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc.
Dominated by the aromatic Roussanne, this white wine offers an opulent nose of ripe pear, white flowers and herbs. On the palate, it is round and textured, with notes of stone fruit, honey, and a subtle touch of spice. The wine’s balance and complexity make it a standout selection from the Rhône Valley.
Perfect Pairing: Savour this exceptional white with a plate of red mullet fillet in a salt crust, served with fennel butter sauce. The delicate flavour of the red mullet, a prized local Mediterranean fish, is enhanced by the salt crust, while the rich fennel butter sauce brings out the wine’s aromatic complexity, creating a perfectly balanced and sophisticated pairing.
Red: Domaine Tempier – Bandol Rouge
For lovers of bold, structured reds, the legendary red cuvées from Domaine Tempier Bandol are a must-try. Situated in the heart of the Bandol region, Domaine Tempier is one of the most renowned estates in Provence, known for producing wines that beautifully express the Mediterranean terroir. An interesting fact about Domaine Tempier is that it played a crucial role in the revival of the Bandol AOC in the 1960s, championing the potential of Mourvedre, a grape variety that was previously underappreciated. Today, this estate is celebrated not only as a benchmark of Bandol wines but also as a global ambassador of Provençal viticulture.
Made primarily from Mourvedre, this red wine presents a deep ruby colour and an aromatic profile rich in blackberries, spices, and leather. On the palate, it is bold yet refined, with fine tannins and a lingering finish that captures the essence of the Mediterranean landscape.
Perfect Pairing: A perfect companion for this powerful red is roast lamb from Sisteron with herbs from the Provençal garrigue. The rich, herb-infused lamb harmonises beautifully with the wine’s earthy profile, while the herbs—such as thyme, rosemary, and lavender—enhance the depth of flavour, creating a sublime balance between the savory meat and the wine’s character.
A Toast to Local Excellence
The true magic of wine pairing lies in celebrating the authenticity of a region’s produce. Whether on land or at sea, the right wines elevate every culinary experience, seamlessly blending with local flavours and traditions. Raise a glass to unforgettable moments at sea, where refinement, savoir-faire, and emotion come together in perfect harmony!
Santé et bon voyage!