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French Wine
French wine has been a superior product since the Middle Ages. It is usually great, whether it is a table wine or a special vintage. Even more impressive than the quality is the sheer quantity of wine produced in France. There are very strict labeling practices for French wines, with only the best being eligible for AOC labels. AOC stands for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée and only wines made from certain grapes in certain regions qualify. In addition, the way the wine is made may even be important. France is one of the largest producers of wine in the world, and the grapes that make their wine great have become so popular that they are now considered standard varieties. The two most famous wine producing regions in France are undoubtedly Bordeaux and Champagne. Bordeaux is mostly known for its red wines, although there are many other sweet wines created in the same region. Champagne is famous for its sparkling wines, which continue to grow in popularity. There are other regions too though. Most wines from Alsace are white. The local history is important to understanding Alsatian wine, because it is influenced by both France and Germany. Burgundy is also influential, and this region is very conscientious about the terroir system. Mouton Vineyard
Terroir is essentially the climate and environment that a vineyard is located in, and while all locations have a different terroir, it is important to differentiate amongst them. Overall the French climate could be described as temperate although the different regions vary considerably. Bordeaux is enclosed by water, and therefore it has a maritime climate. The Gironde, the Garonne, and the Dordogne rivers can be seen from many vineyards. Bordeaux produces many Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. The local geography makes it more likely that the grapes from these wines will fully ripen to produce the right flavor. The climate in Champagne is quite different, and it is actually known for its crisp temperatures. The Champagne produced here could not be made anywhere else. Cooler temperatures develop grapes with a higher acidity. They are necessary for the great sparkling wines with which we are familiar. Moët and Chandon is a wine house found in the Champagne region. Their Dom Perignon champagne is an expensive but popular luxury item. The Champagne region itself is found in the north of France. Burgundy has many microclimates, which add to the number of terroirs, or environments, in the region. The winters are fierce, and the summers are very hot. The gently sloping vineyards create the more expensive wines. Grand Cru wines from the Cote d’Or are produced only in a select number of locations. These are usually spectacular Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Regardless of where a French wine comes from, the labeling system of the AOC helps to ensure that a uniform, quality wine is produced. You will know that certain guidelines are in place to make sure that all wine is produced in the same traditions that it has been for centuries.
French Wine (top of page)
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