French wine

French taste of wines

A vineyard worker manually tills the soil near Vosne-Romanée in Burgundy (7309839432)

Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 01

Weinberg Cote de Nuits

Cahors Chateau

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Wine made in France

French wine

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Official name
Other names
Type
Year established
Years of wine industry
Country	France
Part of
Other regions in vicinity
Sub-regions	Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Alsace, Rhône, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon
Location

French wine is produced in France, a country known for its long history of winemaking and its diverse terroir. France is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and its wines are highly regarded for their quality and variety. The country is home to several famous wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and appellations.

History

The history of French wine dates back to the Roman Empire, when vineyards were first established in the region. Over the centuries, winemaking techniques evolved, and France became known for its high-quality wines. The establishment of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system in the 20th century helped to regulate and protect the quality and authenticity of French wines.

Wine Regions

France is divided into several major wine regions, each known for its distinctive wines:

• Bordeaux: Known for its red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other grape varieties.
• Burgundy: Famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
• Champagne: Renowned for its sparkling wines made using the Méthode Champenoise.
• Loire Valley: Produces a wide range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
• Alsace: Known for its aromatic white wines, such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
• Rhône: Divided into Northern and Southern Rhône, producing wines from grapes like Syrah and Grenache.
• Provence: Famous for its rosé wines.
• Languedoc-Roussillon: A large wine-producing region known for its diverse range of wines.

Grape Varieties

France is home to many grape varieties, some of the most notable include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Syrah
• Grenache
• Chenin Blanc
• Riesling
• Gewürztraminer

Wine Classification

The French wine classification system is based on the concept of terroir, which refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and other factors that influence the characteristics of the wine. The main classifications are:

• Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC): The highest level of classification, indicating that the wine meets strict regulations regarding grape varieties, production methods, and geographic origin.
• Vin de Pays: A classification for wines that do not meet the AOC criteria but still have a specific geographic origin.
• Vin de Table: The most basic classification, for wines that do not have a specific geographic origin or meet the criteria for higher classifications.

Related Pages

• Wine
• Winemaking
• Terroir
• Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée
• Bordeaux wine
• Burgundy wine
• Champagne wine
• Loire Valley wine
• Alsace wine
• Rhône wine
• Provence wine
• Languedoc-Roussillon wine