Wine Regions Of France And What Are They Known For
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France is a leading wine-producing country; its reputation precedes it. France is the third-largest wine source after Italy and Spain, but in terms of quality, it is hard to beat. Although great wine comes from every corner of the earth, every wine region worldwide looks at France for inspiration, and here’s why. These are France’s most famous wine regions and what they are known for.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a relatively cold region specializing in two noble varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region produces wines at all price points, and their greatest expressions, often from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, are amongst the most coveted in the world. Burgundy is not a wine region, but many, so expect distinct wines depending on if they come from the northern Chablis, the Côte d’Or or the warmer areas down south.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux specializes in red and white blends with an extraordinary selection of grapes. The reds Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate red Bordeaux blends, while Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are behind the region’s finest white wines. Although some of the most expensive wines on the planet come from Bordeaux, most of the region’s wine is actually affordable. The best wines, though, are worthy of any wine cellar.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a vast region running east to west along the Loire River, and the proximity to the Atlantic Coast determines the grapes and the wine styles in each sub-region. You’ll find all kinds of wine in the Loire Valley, from refreshing Muscadet to sweet rosé, from world-class sparkling wine to robust red wines made with Cabernet Franc. Chenin Blanc is a popular white grape in Central Loire, but the further you go into the heart of France, the more predominant Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir become.
The Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley is a warm and arid region, home to its own local grapes. Here, Syrah is king, along with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and at least twenty others. Northern Rhône regions specialize in mono-varietal Syrah, but southern Rhône is all about red blends. The most famous wines in the Rhône come from the appellations of Hermitage, Côte Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Expect excellent value from the more approachable Côtes du Rhone!
Provence and Southern France
Provence and Southern France benefit from the warm Mediterranean breeze. Here, the wines offer ripe fruit aromas and more alcoholic warmth. Provence is a rosé-specialist region and the source of the most elegant pink wines on earth. Southern France, with dozens of unique appellations, is best known for its bold (and often inexpensive) red wines.
Champagne
Champagne is the source of sparkling wine made with the time-consuming and labor-intensive Traditional Method. These are more than bubbly wines; they’re complex and age-worthy — no sparkling wine has the quality and consistency of the wine that comes out of Champagne’s cellars. Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay are the region’s leading grapes, but it is the winemaking process behind the region’s sparkling wine that makes Champagne extraordinary.
Alsace
Finally, on the French border with Germany, Alsace is home to lovely white wines (and a few reds) with a German feel. These wines are still very much French, but the German influence is evident. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewürztraminer feel right at home in the dry northern region, and they produce medium-bodied dry and sweet wines that are particularly compatible with food.
Of course, we’re leaving out many regions, but this quick guide to French wine will point you in the right direction on your quest to insatiable wine knowledge. French wine is one of the most complex topics in the world, and it’s a delicious one indeed!
