The climate (more information)

The Mediterranean climate is characterized by plentiful rainfall in the spring (and in the fall), which lets the soil build up generous reserves, allowing the vines to defend themselves during the dryness of summer. Summers are hot, occasionally very hot, and dry. It is only around mid-August that the occasional storm moves in to cool off the atmosphere.
And there is also the mistral, the region's famous wind from the North.
Often violent, this Northern wind is a menace to young sprouts. In cold weather the mistral can jeopardize pollination and temporarily slow down ripening.
But during hot weather, after the rains, the mistral prevents the spread of fungus and promotes concentration as the grapes begin to ripen.