
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 Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Demi-Sec 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume (375ML half-bottle) 2011Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
- W&S
- WS
- WE
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La Craie Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Chateau de Montfort Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Georges Meurgey Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Montlouis Clos Michet 2011Chenin Blanc from Montlouis, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Montlouis Remus 2011Chenin Blanc from Montlouis, Touraine, Loire, France
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Clos Palet Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Sauvion Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Saget la Perriere Vouvray Marie de Beauregard 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Gautier Vouvray De Gautier 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine Bourillon-Dorleans Vouvray Sec Vieilles Vignes Coulee d'Argent 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
- RP
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Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2011Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
- WS
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Chateau de Fesles Bonnezeaux (500ml) 2011Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume 2011Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
- W&S
- WS
- WE
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Marc Bredif Vouvray 2011Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine Gigou Jasnieres Cuvee Clos Saint-Jacques 2011Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Maison Mourat Clos Saint Andre 2011Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Pithon-Paille Anjou Mozaik Chenin Blanc 2011Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Nicolas Brunet Vouvray Sec 2011Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine de Belliviere Calligramme Jasnieres 2011Chenin Blanc from Loire, France
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Domaine Vincent Careme Vouvray Le Peu Morier 2011Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France
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Domaine Patrick Baudouin Anjou Effusion Blanc 2011Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine Patrick Baudouin Savennieres 2011Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine du Clos de L'Epinay Vouvray Cuvee Marcus 2011Chenin Blanc from Touraine, Loire, France