
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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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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La Vieille Ferme Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from France
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Chateau Lamargue Costieres de Nimes Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
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Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Jaboulet Parallele 45 Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone Les Figuieres Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WS
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Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
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Guigal Hermitage Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
- W&S
- RP
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Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2005Rhone White Blends from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Betts & Scholl Hermitage Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
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M. Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Chateau Bas Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Cuvee du Temple Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, South of France, France
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Jaboulet Saint-Peray Les Sauvageres 2005Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
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Rayas Chateau de Fonsalette Cotes du Rhone Reserve Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine Mule Blanche 2005Rhone White Blends from Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone, France
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Jaboulet Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Cedres Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Maison Camille Cayran Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages Les Salyens Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
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Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau Rayas Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Blanc 2005Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France