
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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Hugel Gentil 2005Other White Blends from Alsace, France
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Chateau La Baronne Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours 2005Other White Blends from Alsace, France
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Domaine Lafage Vin du Pays Cote d'Est 2005Other White Blends from France
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Chateau Loudenne Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Bordeaux, France
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Domaine Andre et Mireille Tissot Arbois Vin de Paille Spirale 2005Other White Blends from Jura, France
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Tortoise Creek Chardonnay Viognier 2005Other White Blends from Vin de France, France
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Clos Albizzi Cassis Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Provence, South of France, France
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Caves Monmousseau Cheverny Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Touraine, Loire, France
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Chateau d'Arlay Cotes du Jura Tradition Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Jura, France
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Chateau Routas Coquelicot Viognier-Chardonnay 2005Other White Blends from France
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Gaston Chiquet Millesime Brut Premier Cru 2005Other White Blends from Champagne, France
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Les Chais Du Vieux Bourg Cotes du Jura BB1 2005Other White Blends from Jura, France
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Domaine du Paternel Cassis Blanc de Blancs 2005Other White Blends from Provence, South of France, France
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Chateau de Passavant Anjou Blanc 2005Other White Blends from Anjou, Loire, France
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Domaine de Conte de Floris Coteaux du Languedoc Lune Blanche 2005Other White Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Louis SIPP Cremant Brut 2005Other White Blends from Alsace, France
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Chateau d'Arlay Cotes du Jura Vin de Paille 2005Other White Blends from Jura, France
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Domaine Rolet Arbois Vin de Paille 2005Other White Blends from Jura, France
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Champagne Paul Dethune Grand Cru Brut 2005Other White Blends from Champagne, France