
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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Lucien Albrecht Reserve Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- RP
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Hugel Classic Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- RP
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Trimbach Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- WS
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Helfrich Steinklotz Grand Cru Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Trimbach Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- RP
- WS
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Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee Sainte Catherine (1.5L) 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- RP
- WS
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Albert Boxler Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Frederic Mochel Altenberg de Bergbieten Alsace Grand Cru Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Gerard Neumeyer Bruderthal Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Pierre Frick Bihl Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Eric Rominger Zinnkoepfle Les Sinneles Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Martin Schaetzel Alsace Rangen Grand Cru Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Bott-Geyl Mandelberg Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Bott Freres Personnelle Reserve Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Dom. Ernest Burn Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Marc Kreydenweiss Le Chateau Kastelberg Riesling Grand Cru 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Gustave Lorentz Altenberg de Bergheim Riesling Grand Cru 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Dom. Ernest Burn Alsace Clos Saint Imer La Chapelle Goldert Grand Cru Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
- JS
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Fernand Engel Reserve Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Pierre Sparr Altenbourg Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Jean Sipp Alsace Kirchberg de Ribeauville Grand Cru Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Pierre Sparr Alsace Selection Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Pierre Frick Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France
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Domaine Gerard Metz Fruehmess Vieilles Vigne Riesling 2005Riesling from Alsace, France