
French Wine
Learn about French wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
Nearly synonymous with fine wine and all things epicurean, France has a culture of wine production and consumption that is deeply rooted in tradition. Many of the world’s most beloved grape varieties originated here, as did the concept of “terroir”—soil type, elevation, slope and mesoclimate combine to produce resulting wines that convey a sense of place. Accordingly, most French wine is labeled by geographical location, rather than grape variety. So a general understaning of which grapes correspond to which regions can be helpful in navigating all of the types of French wine. Some of the greatest wine regions in the world are here, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Champagne, but each part of the country has its own specialties and strengths.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the king and queen of Burgundy, producing elegant red and white wines with great acidity, the finest examples of which can age for decades. The same two grapes, along with Pinot Meunier, are used to make Champagne.
Of comparable renown is Bordeaux, focused on bold, structured red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc including sometimes a small amount of Petit Verdot or Malbec. The primary white varieties of Bordeaux are Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
The northern Rhône Valley is responsible for single-varietal Syrah, while the south specializes in Grenache blends; Rhône's main white variety is Viognier.
Most of these grape varieties are planted throughout the country and beyond, extending their influence into other parts of Europe and New World appellations.
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Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2006Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Domaine des Baumard Carte d'Or Coteaux du Layon 2006Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Couly-Dutheil Les Chanteaux Chinon 2006Chenin Blanc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
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Remy Pannier Vouvray 2006Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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J. Moreau & Fils Vouvray 2006Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Chateau de Montfort Vouvray 2006Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Barton & Guestier Vouvray 2006Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Marc Bredif Vouvray 2006Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine de la Roche Moreau Coteaux du Layon Chaume 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Chateau Plaisance Quarts de Chaume 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Gigou Jasnieres Cuvee Clos Saint-Jacques 2006Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Vignobles Alain Chateau Anjou Chateau de la Guimoniere Blanc Sec 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Branchereau Domaine des Forges Savennieres La Roche aux Moines 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Chateau de Ligre Chinon Blanc 2006Chenin Blanc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine les Grandes Vignes Bonnezeaux Le Malabe 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Patrick Baudouin Anjou Les Glanees Blanc 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Cave des Producteurs de Vouvray Vouvray Les Lys 2006Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine de Belliviere Calligramme Jasnieres 2006Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Dom. de la Rouletiere Vouvray Sec 2006Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France
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Branchereau Domaine des Forges Quarts de Chaume 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Pichot Vouvray Coteau de la Biche 2006Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine Gigou Coteaux du Loir Blanc 2006Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Domaine les Grandes Vignes Coteaux du Layon Le Pont Martin 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine de Montgilet Anjou Blanc 2006Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France