A Taste of France

History in a Bottle

France has a long history of grape growing and winemaking, dating back to before the Romans. One of the largest producers worldwide, they make every style of wine, and often set the benchmark for the rest of the world. Many of the grape varieties we are familiar with originated here. From iconic regions and famous wines to everyday value, this country offers it all.

Notable Regions

Bordeaux

This renowned region in the Southwest of France is split by the Gironde River, and further divided into sub-regions and communes. Red wines dominate, made from various combinations of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Premium reds from the Left Bank are Cabernet dominant, whereas the Right bank focuses on Merlot. This region has a reputation for quality that has set the standard for many other wine regions throughout the world.

Bourgogne

Steeped in history and highly admired worldwide, this region is known as Burgundy in English. There are 2 varieties permitted: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Within Bourgogne, the narrow strip of Côte d’Or is a patchwork of different slopes, soils and aspects, all creating remarkably different flavours in the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. In the North, Chablis makes a steely version of Chardonnay. Bourgogne wines are emulated worldwide, but few ever achieve the same level of elegance and complexity.

Beaujolais

With wines made from the Gamay grape variety, Beaujolais can go from simple and fruity to much more complex and age-worthy. Despite the value offered by the wines, this region is often overlooked. Wines from the southern portion tend to be fruitier in flavour. Wines from the norther part, where the crus are located, are more complex, structured and deeper in colour. Nouveau is a wine from the current vintage that is fermented very quickly to retain lots of fruit flavours.

Rhône Valley

Located in southeastern France, the Rhône Valley is divided into 2 parts. The northern part is cooler and makes wines based on Syrah. A small amount of white wine from Viognier is also made. The southern portion is substantially larger and warmer, following the Rhône as it moves into the Mediterranean Sea. Wines from here are a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. White wines are rarer, made from a blend of indigenous grapes.

Champagne

Champagne has come to symbolize celebration and luxury the world over. Grown in Northern France, there are only 3 main grapes permitted: Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay. Over centuries, the winemakers in this area learned how to control the process of creating the bubbles into the fine art it is today. Champagnes come in a variety of sweetness levels, the most common here are Brut (less then 12 g/l, and Demi-sec (32-50 g/l).

More to Explore

Alsace is known for single varietal wines such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, one of the only regions to provide the grape variety on the label. The Loire Valley is a sprawling region that has many different styles of wine. Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé; Chenin Blanc from Vouvray and Saumur. Provence is famous for a light rosé that has revolutionized pink wine. Languedoc has rich and intense wines based on Grenache and Syrah.

Key Varietals

Bordeaux Blend Red

The eponymous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc form the base of this famous blend, with Malbec and Petit Verdot in smaller quantities. The wines range from very expensive icons to excellent value everyday sippers.

Food pairing: All things Beef, such as a pot roast or prime rib; braised beef and a grilled ribeye. Roasted rack of lamb, or leg of lamb with a generous amount of herbs also pair very nicely.

Pinot Noir

Found in the still wines of Bourgogne as well as in Champagne, Pinot Noir has an exceptional ability to translate the particulars of the vineyard into the wine in the glass. Notoriously finicky to grow, Pinot Noir in Bourgogne is full of red fruits in its youth, ageing into earth, mushroom, and game notes. In Champagne, Pinot Noir adds richness and body to the final wine.

Food pairing: For red Bourgogne, Boeuf Bourguignon, lighter red meat dishes, venison and cedar plank salmon on the grill. Champagne works with smoked salmon, scallops, and fried food.

Chardonnay

Chablis, Bourgogne and Champagne all use this elegant grape. In Chablis, Chardonnay is dry and crisp, with wet stone and citrus; in Bourgogne, there is often a bit of oak used, adding toast and nuts to the riper fruit flavour. In Champagne, chardonnay gives a citrus character and helps the wine to age.

Food pairing: Chablis is a perfect pairing for oysters on the half shell. Champagne pairs with lobster or even popcorn. White Bourgogne works with roasted chicken or veal in cream sauce.

Southern Rhone Blend

Throughout the Southern Rhône Valley, as well as the Languedoc region, the wines are made from a combination of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This blend of grapes makes a balanced wine with red and black fruit, spices, and a rich smoky, floral character. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an excellent example of this Southern Rhône blend.

Food pairing: Lamb, braised beef, grilled steak with mushroom, or duck confit all pair very well with this style of wine.

Gamay Noir

This red grape is found in the Beaujolais region. The northern Crus make wines with greater concentration then those from the south, often reminiscent of Pinot noir. Beaujolais and Beaujolais Village tend to be simpler, with light body and tannins. Beaujolais Nouveau is light and very fruity, with candied notes and flavours.

Food pairing: Beaujolais pairs very well with a variety of foods, such as charcuterie and cheeses, grilled chicken and roast pork.

Provence Rosé blend

Typically based on Grenache and Syrah, these light-bodied pale pink wines have become increasingly popular. Dry, with red berry flavours and a touch of floral and minerality, these wines can be enjoyed all year long.

Food pairing: The fresh acidity in these wines make them a great food wine. Enjoy them with everything from light salads to charcuterie and soft cheeses to Lamb and salmon. They are incredibly versatile when enjoyed with food.

Did you know?

Beaujolais Nouveau is released globally on the third Thursday in November. Over 30 million bottles, or about half the regions production, are shipped around the world for this release!

The Mistral wind blows down the Rhône Valley up to 90 km /hour. It brings clear, sunny days and dry weather, perfect for grape growing, but is also very destructive.

5 pioneering women influenced what Champagne is today. Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, Pommery, Laurent-Perrier, Bollinger, and Henriot all have a strong woman to thank, as does all of Champagne!