
French Wine
Learn about French wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
French wine is 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 French 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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Francois Villard Condrieu Les Terrasses du Palat 2019Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Julien Pilon Lone Condrieu 2019Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Julien Pilon Mon Grand-Pere Etait Limonadier Viognier 2019Viognier from Rhone, France
- WS
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Guigal Condrieu 2010Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
- W&S
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Guigal La Doriane Condrieu 1999Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Louis Cheze Condrieu Pagus Luminis 2015Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Chaillees de L'Enfer 2012Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
- W&S
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Domaine de la Janasse Principaute d'Orange Viognier 2017Viognier from Rhone, France
- WS
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Les Alexandrins Viognier 2019Viognier from Vin de France, France
- WS
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Maison Nicolas Perrin Hermitage Blanc 2010Viognier from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Maison Nicolas Perrin Condrieu 2013Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Julien Pilon Mon Grand-Pere Etait Limonadier Viognier 2018Viognier from Rhone, France
- WS
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Chateau Lagrezette Le Pigeonnier White 2015Viognier from France
- WS
- WE
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Vins de Vienne Viognier 2014Viognier from Rhone, France
- WS
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M. Chapoutier La Combe Pilate 2017Viognier from Rhone, France
- WS
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Maison Nicolas Perrin Hermitage Blanc 2008Viognier from Hermitage, Rhone, France
- WS
- WE
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Domaine de Triennes Sainte Fleur Viognier 2013Viognier from France
- WS
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Delas Condrieu Clos Boucher Viognier 2012Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Guigal Condrieu 2018Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- V
- JS
- W&S
- WS
- JD
- RP
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Guigal La Doriane Condrieu 2014Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- RP
- WS
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Jaboulet Condrieu Les Cassines 2014Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Georges Vernay Condrieu Terrasses de l'Empire 2017Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- JD
- WS
- JS
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Lionel Faury Condrieu 2019Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
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Domaine Bott Condrieu 2018Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
- V
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Condrieu 2016Viognier from Condrieu, Rhone, France
- WS
- JD
- JS
- RP