France

Wines of France

When we talk about the finest wine-producing nations, it is not possible to overlook France, the home of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.

For centuries, France has produced wine in fine quality and great quantity. In fact, wine has come to be associated with French culture at almost every societal level. After all, it is the drink of both the common and elite people. Not to mention, it is a key symbol in France’s majority religion, Roman Catholicism.

Actually, the enduring attraction and appeal of French wine is not its prestige or volume. Instead, it is the variety of styles that it possesses. Over time, consumer preferences have shifted, encouraging and promoting the development of new styles and tastes of wine from the grape and terrain varieties available to the vignerons of France. French vineyards – fruity, mineral-scented, austere, sweet, rose, opulent – have produced rather unique and appealing wines.

History of French Wine

The history of French winemaking dates back to the 6th century BC when Southern Gaul was colonized by the Greek settlers. It was, however, the Romans who planted vines in various important wine regions.

Ever since then, the wine industry of France as continued to flourish. In the 19th century, the entire vineyards had to be replanted when Phylloxera spread. In Europe, the two World Wars and the economic downturn resulted in a depression in the wine industry of France, which lasted for several decades.

The AOC or the Appellation d’origine controlee was established for the protection of French interests. It helped define different geographical wine regions and areas with their unique characteristics for the protection of the quality of the produce and for the prevention of fraud.

Gradually, significant efforts and investments in the new generation of winemakers since the 1970s helped create the modern wine industry in France. This modern French industry is renowned throughout the world for the production of some of the finest wines that people have tasted.

French Wine and Climate

The French wine industry has produced diverse wines and it is partly due to the wide range of climates of the country. For instance, the most northerly region of the country, Champagne is home to one of the coolest climates in the wine-growing world. At the same time, the country has a rather dry and warm region, the Rhone Valley, which presents a stark contrast to Champagne.

In the southwest, Bordeaux has a maritime climate that is influenced heavily by the Atlantic Ocean and several rivers that often wind their way between the regional vineyards. Meanwhile, eastern regions that are far from ocean influence like Alsace and Burgundy have a rather continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.

On the other hand, deep southern regions like Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence tend to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. However, the South West is influenced by the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates.

Topography

There is no doubt that topography and geology play critical roles in the diversity of French wines. In fact, various independently recognized wine subregions and regions reflect several soil types and the landscapes that made them in the nation.

Actually, these run from the hills and mountains in the east, which boast both the Jura and Savoie regions to lower Loire valley in the West and even the greater Cognac region.

Rivers

Surprisingly, each subregion and region can be identified by its specific geographical features, which help make unique characteristics of their specific wines. Similar to many wine regions, different wine-growing areas are adjacent to or follow rivers and alluvial systems.

Even the longest river in France, the Loire, is not an exception with its origins in the vineyards of Auvergne and the central plateau. It is worth noting that much prominence of Bordeaux, in the South West, is owed to its geographical location on the coast where it eventually became a staging position or area for its neighbors.

Grapes and Terroirs

Most people have heard about terroirs. There is a common misconception that a wine region is recognized as a terroir. However, it is untrue as terroir is a concept that refers to different environmental factors including the altitude, climate, and soil in which grapes are cultivated. It should be noted that all of these terroir factors tend to combine and offer a unique flavor to a wine.

From the hills of Beaujolais to the gravel of the Medoc and slopes of Chablis, the sites and areas on which the French vineyards have been created are considered rather critical and are at the core of the concept of terroir.

The terroir of a region determines the grape varieties that are used for the production of its traditional wines. Prior to the vine husbandry, vignerons grew whatever suited the best local climate and soils. Therefore, grapes that would be available locally would be used.

Still, the relationship between different French wine regions and their respective varieties has evolved to a significant extent over several centuries. It is exemplified by the close association between Burgundy and Pinot Noir.

Appellations

The French appellation system was developed in the early 20th century and it has been replicated in many other nations as well. Actually, this comprehensive system and framework of laws determines and identifies each wine region and even imposes strict rules and laws for winemaking practices.

Some of its key objectives involve guaranteeing the provenance and quality of wines and protecting the names of these wines. By 2012, there were over 450 controlled appellations under the titles of AOC.

There is no doubt that an important factor in the establishment of the comprehensive and complex categorization of French wine quality levels and styles is their diversity. For instance, the nation produces over 50 million hL of wine on an annual basis using approximately 1.9m acres of vineyards.

Categories of French Wines

Typically, there are four categories of French wines including:

  • AOC or Appellation of d’Origine Controlee
  • AOVDQS or Appellation d’Origine Vin De Qualite Superieure: It falls right below the AOC wines and it has different regulations and rules similar to the AOC with respect to winemaking processes, amount of production, and grape variety.
  • Vin de Pays: It is important to note that all the country wines that do not really fall under the category of AOC, come under this one. This category has rather lenient rules for production methods and grape types.
  • Vin de Table: When it comes to table wines, they tend to come under this category of French wines. Actually, there are no specific rules that govern winemaking and vineyard management. For instance, it is hard to observe any appellations, vintage, and grape varietals in this category.

French Grape Varieties

There are several grape varieties that can be found in France. However, when it comes to Merlot, it is undoubtedly the most planted grape varietal and it covers around 14% of the overall grapevine area.

Still, these are the top varieties of grapes planted in France:

  • Merlot
  • Carignan
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
  • Grenache
  • Ugni Blanc

Other than the grape varieties produced, these are some popular and prevalent wine styles in the country:

  • Sparkling wines from Vouvray and Champagne
  • White wines like Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay
  • Rose wines like sweet White Zinfandels and the Provencal Rose
  • And red wines from various grape varieties like Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir

Labelling Practices

Actually, labeling practices tend to vary from region to region. For instance, a Bordeaux wine label will include the volume number, alcohol content, vintage, bottling information, appellation, classification, and even the estate name.

Meanwhile, on an Alsace wine label, a person is likely to find information about the volume, alcohol content, Sulfite notice, producer details, vintage, grape variety, parcel or vineyard, and appellation.

Top Wine Regions and Wines in France

While Burgundy and Bordeaux are recognized the most, there are several other wine-producing regions in France including the Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Beaujolais, and Rhone Valley.

  • Bordeaux

Bordeaux is located in Southwest France and has more than 60 growing appellations that are responsible for the production of several renowned wines including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and red Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Actually, the Bordeaux region is considered the largest French wine-growing area that boasts diverse appellations. It is possible for Bordeaux wines to range from everyday table wines to some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world. Even though the predominant style is red, the region is also known for the production of sparkling, roses, dry whites, and sweet wines.

It is important to note that the region has a Mediterranean climate. Other than the popular reds, the region is also recognized for the production of White Bordeaux, which is made of Muscadelle, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Red Bordeaux wines are produced most commonly from Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. Typically, more than 86% of Bordeaux wines are made with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. In addition to it, they are generally red wines.

  • Burgundy

Bourgogne or Burgundy is a French wine region and it has a legacy of Beaujolais Gamay, white Chardonnays, and Pinot Noir reds wines. Now, the region itself has more than 100 appellations that are segregated into Regional Wines, Village Wines, Premier Crus, and Burgundy Grand Crus.

It would not be wrong to say that Burgundy is an internationally famed French wine region that makes some of the most expensive and best wines around the world. It is located in the east-central part of the country and the region itself is dominated by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Some other white and red grapes such as Gamay, Pinot Gris, and Aligote are also used but the rate of their utilization is rather low.

The region has five prime areas for wine growth including Cote de Beaune, Maconnais, Cote Chalonnaise, Cote de Nuits, and Chablis with a chalky terrain. In the Cote de Nuits area, it is rather common to find vineyards for red Burgundy Grand Cru. In the south of Burgundy, there is a wine area of Corton Grand Cru Burgundy.

  • Champagne

When it comes to Champagne, it is actually the northernmost region that is based in the east of Paris. The region itself is primarily recognized for Blanc de Noirs and sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Wine lovers know that true Champagne comes only from the actual French region of Champagne, which is popular for its sparkling wine.

In the region, Champagne is produced and made using Methode Champenoise, which is a process that involves secondary fermentation in the bottle. There is also an addition of rock sugar and yeast. The wine itself is made with the traditional and basic blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, which are native to the Champagne region.

Still, there are four other grape varieties that are permitted in the Champagne AOP including Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. However, these are mentioned rarely because they are unlikely to be used for the production of sparkling wine outside France.

In the case of Blanc de Blancs, it is the varietal Champagne that is made using only Chardonnay grapes. On the other hand, Blanc de Noirs is the Champagne that is produced using the fermentation of Pinot Noir and Pinot Menunier.

  • Rhone Valley

Rhone Valley is recognized for its Grenache Syrah Mourvedre and Syrah blend wines from Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape applications. Furthermore, it is also known for the production of Condrieu wines that it makes from Viognier grapes. Through the Rhone Valley, the Rhone river flows and divides it into Northern and Southern Rhone Valley.

In the case of Chanteauneuf-du-Pape was the first AOC to be considered or recognized when the system was developed in 1936.

  • Provence

Another rather popular region is Provence, which lies on the south-eastern coast and is recognized for its rose and red wines from Mourvedre, Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. It would not be wrong to say that around 88% of the regional wine production is allocated to rose.

In Provence, some rather popular wines include Domaine Tempier, Domaine Milan, Domaine Ott, and Domaine du Paternel.

  • Alsace

Alsace, as a wine region, is recognized for its Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling wines. In this region, the wines are generally named after the variety of grapes rather than the place of origin.

Some popular wines from Alsace include 4Dopff Au Moulin, 3Cave de Reibeauville, 2 Cave de Ribeauville, and 1Chateau de Riquewihr.

  • Beaujolais

This region is based in the south of Burgundy and it is renowned for its red, vibrant, and fruity Beaujolais wines. It is worth noting that the unique flavor of wines produced by this region is deeply connected to the soil.

Beaujolais is actually a light-bodied red wine and has a high amount of acidity. It is produced primarily from the thin-skinned Gamay grape, which contributes to the reduction of tannins. Thus, it is often treated just like white wine and served chilled. Even though it does not need decanting, it often gains some aromatic complexity after being open for a while. The wine itself is typically categorized into Cru Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages AOC, and Beaujolais AOC.

  • Corsica

In the Mediterranean, Corsica is a French island and is recognized for its Barbarossa, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir vineyards. In this region, great vines such as Ajaccio and Patrimonio can be found. All of these wines are recognized to have a Tuscan influence.

Some rather popular wines from Corsica include Aleatico, Minustellu, Sciacarellu, and Nielluccio.

  • Languedoc and Roussillon

In southern France, Languedoc-Roussillon is a historical coastal area and it extends from the Provence region to the Spain border and Pyrenees Mountains. It is worth noting that the Languedoc wine range includes Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah blends.

  • Loire Valley

In the Northwest, Loire Valley produces wines like Muscadet, Marsanne, Chinon, Loire Pouilly-Fume, Loire Vouvray, and Sauvignon Blanc. In the region, the most recognized local appellation is the Sancerre. Furthermore, it is also possible to find the renowned Chenin Blanc Vouvrays in the region.

Some of the best wines from the Loire Valley include Gerard Boulay, Domaine Durand, Reserve Des Vignerons, Domaine Pelle Menetou, Claude, Riffault, and Maurice Bonnamy.

  • South West France

When it comes to South West France, it is recognized for the production of Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Malbec blends. Some rather popular wines from South West France include Cotes de Saint Mont, Caotes du Marmandais, Cahors, and Bergerac: Chateau Tour des Gendres.

Popular French Wine Appellations

Other than the traditional wines such as Champagne and Beaujolais, there are a number of other popular French wine appellations as well. Some of them are as follows:

  • Clairette de Die

Actually, Clairette de Die is a renowned French appellation based in the department of Drome. It is accountable for the production of sparkling wines that are based on Clairette and Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains grapes. In addition to it, they are produced using a unique technique, methode dioise ancestrale. It is basically a technique or method in which the wine itself is fermented once, beginning in the tank and then continuing in the battle. The process itself is performed without the use and addition of any sugars or yeast.

These fruity and light wines are generally enjoyed young and their aromatic profile tends to display different aromas of citrus, roses, apricots, and peaches. It should be noted that it is recommended to serve them when they are chilled. Not to mention, these wines can pair rather well with fruit tarts, fruit salads, foie gras, and canapes.

  • Cremant d’Alsace

Cremant d’Alsace is another popular French appellation. In fact, these rose and white sparkling wines are made in the French region of Alsace using Pinot Blanc. While Pinot Blanc is used as the principal or prime grape variety, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling are also permitted. It is worth noting that the wines are made using a traditional technique in which the second fermentation tends to occur and take place in the bottle. Furthermore, these wines must be aged for at least nine months.

Typically, Cremant d’Alsace wines are fresh and lively, with fruity notes of peaches, apricots, pears, and apples. Even though they can be enjoyed and served as an aperitif, these wines are rather food-friendly and can even match different appetizers.

  • Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion is actually one of the most exceptional appellations in France and is based on the right bank in Bordeaux’s Libourne wine region. Even though classic Bordeaux varieties like Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Sauvignon can be used and considered in their production, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are used primarily for making Saint-Emilion wines.

Saint-Emilion wines are often described as soft and approachable. In fact, these wines are often characterized by their strong aromas of fresh fruit. These aromas are accompanied by the nuances of cocoa, pine, cedar, and spices. In addition to it, with age, the tannins soften and the wines themselves evolve.

  • Sauternes

Sauternes is the late-harvest dessert wine and is made predominantly with Semillon. Semillon is the golden-skinned white grapes of the region. It is worth noting that the blends often involve Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc. The appellations might include Loupiac, Cadillac, and even Cerons among others.

Actually, when it comes to Sauternes wines, they tend to exhibit pronounced notes of spices, caramel, butterscotch, and fruit with floral notes that come from the Muscadelle grapes. These wines are usually noted for their freshness and full body, and pair rather nicely with blue cheese, foie gras, terrines, and soft cheese. In addition to it, these wines go well with different fruit-based desserts.

Overall, France is undoubtedly the home to some of the finest wines in the world. The country boasts many rich wine-producing regions with their unique grape varieties that contribute to the production of high-quality wines, which are enjoyed by people around the world.