
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.
- Chardonnay998
- Sauvignon Blanc311
- Rhône White Blends213
- Chenin Blanc129
- Bordeaux White Blends126
- Other White Blends98
- Other White Wine97
- Riesling58
- Melon de Bourgogne52
- Viognier42
- Gewurztraminer38
- Pinot Gris/Grigio35
- Pinot Blanc28
- Aligote23
- Picpoul17
- Marsanne13
- Muscat7
- Roussanne4
- Vermentino3
- Savagnin2
- Semillon2
- Jacquere2
- Grenache Blanc1
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Dauvergne Ranvier Cotes du Rhone Vin Gourmand Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Clos Bellane Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone, France
- RP
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Vidal-Fleury Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Andre Brunel La Becassonne Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WS
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Jaboulet Parallele 45 Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Safres 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Domaine de la Petite Cassagne Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France
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Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox Costieres de Nimes Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France
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Chateau Saint-Cyrgues Costieres de Nimes Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France
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Chateau Pesquie Quintessence Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Ventoux, Rhone, France
- RP
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Domaine de Pignan Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Little James Basket Press Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Pays d’Oc, South of France, France
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Guigal Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- JD
- WS
- RP
- W&S
- WE
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Mas Janeil Les Hauts de Janeil Grenache-Sauvignon 2015Rhone White Blends from Roussillon, South of France, France
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Chateau d'Angles La Clape Grand Vin White 2015Rhone White Blends from La Clape, Languedoc, South of France, France
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Chateau Pegau Cuvee Lone Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- JD
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Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
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Roger Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albions Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Vin de France, France
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Rotem & Mounir Saouma Inopia Blanc Cotes du Rhone Villages 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone, France
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Domaine Catherine Le Goeuil Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Jaboulet Saint-Peray Les Sauvageres 2015Rhone White Blends from Rhone, France
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Chateau La Roque Languedoc Blanc 2015Rhone White Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France