Even if it’s not the true historical nexus of wine (that’s thought to be somewhere in Georgia, or even perhaps China) France is arguably the spiritual home of wine. Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley – these are world-famous regions that charm many a vinophile. The traditions in these appellations go back centuries, and France is the birthplace of the notion of terroir – the idea that geography influences theEven if it’s not the true historical nexus of wine (that’s thought to be somewhere in Georgia, or even perhaps China) France is arguably the spiritual home of wine. Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley – these are world-famous regions that charm many a vinophile. The traditions in these appellations go back centuries, and France is the birthplace of the notion of terroir – the idea that geography influences the character and quality of wine. In fact, one of the reasons that French wine can seem so intimidating is that bottles are labeled not by grape, as is seen commonly in the U.S., but by appellation. This is because regions are so deeply identified with certain grapes that listing them on the bottle is nearly an afterthought to the French.
The four most important French wine regions, and ones that have greatly influenced winemaking in other countries throughout the world, are Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley. Let’s begin in Champagne, as one might argue you should for every meal, the home of prestige sparkling wine in northeastern France. Methode Champenois is used throughout the world for making bubblies, but only wine from this region is legally allowed to be called Champagne. White and rosé sparklers are made here from the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. ...more ...less
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Keep Reading About French Wine
A few hours south of Champagne lies the famed region of Burgundy, home of some of the most beloved Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. With the exception of Beaujolais in the south, which grows Gamay, as well as a few other indigenous grapes, these are the only two varietals allowed to be grown in Burgundy.
One region south of Burgundy lies the Rhône Valley, where Syrah is king. ThisA few hours south of Champagne lies the famed region of Burgundy, home of some of the most beloved Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world. With the exception of Beaujolais in the south, which grows Gamay, as well as a few other indigenous grapes, these are the only two varietals allowed to be grown in Burgundy.
One region south of Burgundy lies the Rhône Valley, where Syrah is king. This is the home of Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape – powerful reds (and whites) reign here. Syrah is the only red grape allowed in the Northern Rhône, while the blending grapes of Grenache, Mourvèdre and others are used in the South.
All these regions are in the eastern part of France. But to the west, on the Atlantic coast, is the famed region of Bordeaux. The most collectible and most expensive wines in the world come from this area, though there are plenty of affordably priced options as well. Cabernet Sauvignon is used here, but Merlot is of equal or greater importance in some appellations. ...more ...less