Introduction
France is renowned for its world-class wines, with a vibrant and diverse range of regional styles to explore. From the velvety reds of Bordeaux to the crisp, fruity whites of Burgundy and the iconic sparkling wines of Champagne, French wines offer a unique experience for the oenophile and the casual wine lover alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the wines of France in greater detail. We’ll start with the historic wines of Bordeaux, then move on to the soulful reds and whites of Burgundy and finish off with the bubbly wines of Champagne. So pour yourself a glass and let’s take a closer look at the wines of France.
Bordeaux Wines
Known for its deep red blends, Bordeaux is the largest producer of wine in the world. Located on the Atlantic coast of France, Bordeaux is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, with a rich history and tradition of winemaking. Bordeaux’s wine is full-bodied and robust, and it is home to some of the world’s most famous and highly sought-after wines. The main grape varieties used in Bordeaux are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot. These grapes produce some of the most well-known red blends, which often include aromas of cassis, ripe blackberry, cherry, and tobacco. Bordeaux wines age gracefully, making them great investments for serious wine collectors.
Red Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux is one of the most well-known wine regions in France, renowned for its red wines. These wines are made from the traditional grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Red Bordeaux wines are typically deep red in color and have a complex aroma with notes of blackberries, cassis, herbs, and spice. They have smooth, velvety tannins, moderate to high levels of acidity, and are often full-bodied with a long finish. Red Bordeaux wines are typically aged in oak barrels, which give the wines their characteristic notes of cigar box, cedar, and vanilla. Red Bordeaux wines can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods, from grilled meats to hearty stews.
White Bordeaux Wines
White Bordeaux is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle grapes, grown primarily in the Bordeaux region. White Bordeaux wines show great range in flavor profiles, and can range from very dry and crisp to sweet and luscious. Depending on the varietal, flavor notes can include stone-fruit, citrus, honey, and mineral. Popular varieties to look out for include Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. Depending on the area and specific grape variety, oak aging is also done for some White Bordeaux wines. Generally, White Bordeaux wines are best enjoyed young and fresh, usually within 2-3 years of being harvested.
Burgundy Wines
Burgundy is a region in the east of France known for its highly esteemed red and white wines. The Burgundy area is divided into five distinct sub-regions, each producing distinct styles of wine. The most famous red wines of Burgundy come from the Côte d’Or, particularly the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Burgundian red wines are known for their earthy, intense aromas, and a rich, complex flavour profile. White wines from Burgundy are typically made from varietals such as Chardonnay and Aligote, and are characterised by their crisp acidity, subtle aromatics and minerality. Burgundy wines have helped shape both the French and international wine industry, and the region remains one of the world’s most prestigious wine-producing areas.
Red Burgundy Wines
are some of the most sought-after wines in France. Produced mainly in the Burgundy region of the country, these wines feature a distinct flavor and range of aromas. Wines from the Côte de Nuits region are known for their rich, fruity flavors, while those from the Côte de Beaune can be more earthy. Pinot Noir grapes are used exclusively in Burgundy wines, as it is the classic grape of the region. Grapes from other parts of France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are not used in Burgundy. Red Burgundy wines tend to have a deep ruby color, with layers of complexity that can be discovered with careful tasting. The tannins in the wine are generally quite balanced, which makes them great for pairing with roasted meats and stews. As with any type of fine French wine, Red Burgundy should be served at the proper temperature to bring out the utmost flavor profile.
White Burgundy Wines
White Burgundy wines are produced in the Burgundy region of France, known for its cool, rainy climate and its limestone-rich soils. These wines are made from the Chardonnay grape and typically have a bright, fruity character, with aromas of citrus, apple and stone fruit. Full-bodied examples of White Burgundy wine will often have a toasty or creamy character, or flavors of buttered toast, hazelnut and almond. These wines may also develop a mineral quality over time. Chablis, the most northerly district of Burgundy, is known for producing dry, crisp wines while the Cote d’Or area is known for producing fuller, softer styles of White Burgundy.
Champagne Wines
Champagne is a sparkling wine that originates from the Champagne region in northeastern France. It is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, and its production is strictly regulated. The Champagne production process includes secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle, giving the sparkling effect. It is a popular choice for celebratory events and is well-known for its buttery, nutty, and creamy flavors. Common producers of Champagne include Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Laurent-Perrier.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular feast, Champagne wines offer a luxurious and refined experience. With an array of flavors and styles to suit any budget, Champagne is a timeless classic that should not be overlooked.
Sparkling Champagne Wines
Champagne is perhaps the most iconic type of French winemaking and for that reason it deserves its own section. Sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France are produced using specialized methods such as using secondary fermentation in the bottle and aging the wine on its lees. The outcome is a unique and luxurious sparkling wine characterized by a dry, elegant style that has been enjoyed by drinkers across the world. The Champagne region produces a wide variety of styles, from Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs to aromatically rich Rose and full-bodied vintage and tete de cuvee wines. Champagne wines are considered the benchmark for sparkling wines due to their timeless quality, complexity and balance.
Non-sparkling Champagne Wines
The region of Champagne is most renowned for the production of sparkling wines, but the region also includes a variety of non-sparkling wines. The two most popular non-sparkling champagnes include Blancs de Blancs and Blancs de Noirs. Blancs de Blancs is made from Chardonnay and is often quite dry and light while Blancs de Noirs is made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and is typically fuller-bodied and more fruit-driven. The non-sparkling champagnes of Champagne are generally light, fruity and aromatic, making them ideal for pairing with fish, light appetizers, and salads.
