DINING IN EUROPE

The Fête Mistralienne returned to Aix-en-Provence this past weekend, marking another year of celebrating Provençal culture, gastronomy, and heritage.

The event, held on 14th September, honours the legacy of Frédéric Mistral, the famed Provençal author and poet, Literature Nobel Prise 1904.

Once again, the city centre became a hub of vibrant activity, attracting locals and visitors alike.

Frédéric Mistral, the central figure honoured at the Fête Mistralienne, was a distinguished French writer and lexicographer who wrote in the Occitan language.

Born on 8th September 1830 in Maillane, Bouches-du-Rhône, Mistral devoted his life to preserving and celebrating the language and culture of Provence. A founding member of the Félibrige, an association dedicated to the revival of Provençal language and literature, he also held membership in the Académie de Marseille.

Mistral’s acclaimed work Mirèio (Mireille), written in Provençal, earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1904, cementing his place in literary history. He died in his hometown on 25 March 1914, where he was laid to rest, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire events like the Fête Mistralienne.

This year’s festival, as in previous years, centred around Parc Jourdan, which served as the focal point for this homage to Mistral’s legacy.

The event blended tradition with contemporary culture, drawing attendees to celebrate Provençal heritage. The Capoulié du Félibrige, guardian of Mistral’s moral legacy, was present to underscore the event’s cultural significance.

Organised by the association Li Venturié Escolo Felibrenco, in collaboration with the City of Aix-en-Provence, the Office of Tourism, and the Bouches-du-Rhône Chamber of Agriculture, the festival successfully showcased the region’s rich traditions, bringing Mistral’s spirit to life once more.

Highlights of the Event

The Salon des Vins et de la Gastronomie was one of the main highlights, held from 15:00 to 18:00. Now in its eighth edition, the fair offered an exquisite showcase of local artisans, producers, and winemakers from Aix-en-Provence and the surrounding region. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a market brimming with the finest local wines and regional products, offering a true taste of Provençal terroir.

This year’s Fête Mistralienne held particular significance as it coincided with the celebration of Frédéric Mistral 2024. In honour of this milestone, a Provençal gastronomic dinner was hosted in the prestigious Cloître des Oblats. Guests were treated to an exceptional culinary experience, with a menu crafted by three distinguished chefs: René Bergès, a Michelin-starred chef, Maître Cuisinier Gilles Carmignani, and pastry chef and Maître Artisan Alexis Cruciani. Their creations showcased the rich gastronomic traditions of Provence, highlighting local ingredients and innovative techniques.

Meeting Emma Bouvet from Château Mouresse

At the Salon des Vins et de la Gastronomie, we had the pleasure of meeting Emma Bouvet from Château Mouresse, an elegant wine estate in the heart of the Plaine des Maures in Vidauban, Var. The Bouvet family has managed the estate since 2008, upholding a deep respect for nature in their winemaking process. Spanning 100 hectares, with 45 dedicated to vineyards, Château Mouresse is known for its sustainable agriculture methods, preserving soil vitality, plant diversity, and local wildlife.

Emma Bouvet, who now serves as the Commercial Manager, is part of the new generation leading Château Mouresse. Alongside her brother Maxime, an oenologist and agronomist, she continues the family tradition of independent winemaking.

Meeting Emma Bouvet from Château Mouresse

The estate’s Caveau Intemporel offers visitors an immersive tasting experience, while their chai safeguards the essence of each wine during maturation. Sustainability is a core aspect of Château Mouresse’s operations, with practices such as a natural reed bed filtration system and a photovoltaic installation on the chai.

During the event, Emma shared insights into the family’s journey and philosophy of winemaking. Each bottle produced at Château Mouresse is a testament to the Bouvet family’s dedication, with every aspect of the estate reflecting a harmonious blend of nature, tradition, and innovation.

Exploring the Elegant Wines of Château de Calavon

Château de Calavon also stood out at the Fête Mistralienne, showcasing its legacy as the oldest wine estate in Lambesc.

Exploring wines of Château de Calavon

Managed by the Audibert family for five generations, the estate has a deep-rooted history in Provençal winemaking. With viticultural roots tracing back to the Princes of Orange, Château de Calavon has been recognised for its exceptional terroir and commitment to organic farming for over a century.

Spanning over 100 hectares of grapevines and 15 hectares of olive trees, the estate’s vineyards are spread across the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and IGP Méditerranée appellations.

The historic plots, protected by a pine forest and surrounded by wild scrubland, have remained unchanged for centuries, producing wines with depth and character. The estate boasts around 15 grape varieties, including century-old Carignan and Grenache vines, providing a broad aromatic palette.

Under the guidance of maître de chai Arnold Mas, Château de Calavon aims to preserve its heritage while embracing modern practices to ensure resilience against climatic changes. The estate’s commitment to organic farming, certified by Ecocert since 2013, reflects the Audibert family’s dedication to preserving biodiversity and maintaining a balance between agriculture and nature.

A Celebration of Provençal Heritage

The Fête Mistralienne once again brought together the community to celebrate the region’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. From the exceptional wines and regional products on display at the Salon des Vins et de la Gastronomie to the insights shared by winemakers like Emma Bouvet and Arnold Mas, the event highlighted the deep connection between Provence’s land and its traditions.

Through events like this, Aix-en-Provence continues to honour the legacy of Frédéric Mistral, celebrating the unique cultural tapestry of the region. The Fête Mistralienne not only offers a taste of Provençal terroir but also provides a platform for sharing the stories and passion that drive the region’s artisans and producers.