Guide to Wine Podcast: Episode 19

French Wine 101

Air Date: Wednesday, September 27th 2023

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France, often regarded as the heart of winemaking, has significantly shaped the world of wine. Its wines are benchmarks, often compared to by winemakers worldwide. (Ever heard of a "Burgundian" style Pinot Noir or a "Bordeaux" style blend?)

Second only to Italy in wine production, France churns out a staggering 8 billion bottles annually, and it boasts 792,000 hectares of vineyards, making it the third-largest vineyard-planted country globally. They export 30% of their wine but are also the world's third-highest consumers of wine per capita, trailing only Portugal and Italy.

Diverse Varieties and Regions
France's winemaking glory isn't just about grapes; it's about regions. The country is home to 200+ unique grape varieties, but the real stars are its wine regions. There are 11 major wine regions that span a wide variety of climates and territories. Here are five of the most well-known and popular:

1. Bordeaux: Located in Southwest France along the Gironde River, Bordeaux is famous for its red blends, which are usually Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot dominant. They also produce refreshing whites and delectable sweet wines.
2. Burgundy (Bourgogne): This eastern French region is synonymous with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sub-appellations like Chablis and Cote d'Or are famous for producing exceptional wines.
3. Champagne: North of Burgundy, Champagne is renowned for its sparkling wines. The region's cool climate is perfect for grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
4. Loire Valley: Stretching along the Loire River in Northwest France, this region encompasses sub-regions like Muscadet, Anjou, Saumur, Chinon, Sancerre, and Pouilly-Fume. It's known for producing diverse wines, including Muscadet, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc.
5. Rhone Valley: In Southern France, the Rhone Valley is divided into Northern and Southern regions, known for distinct styles. The Northern Rhone is famous for Syrah and Viognier, while the Southern Rhone excels in GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre).

Cracking the French Wine Label Code
When buying French wine, understanding labels is crucial. Unlike the US, where you can grow any grape anywhere, French wines are usually labeled by region or appellation. This region tells you what grape(s) to expect in the wine. Each appellation has specific rules dictating the grapes used, their quality, vineyard practices, and winemaking processes.

Dive deeper into these wine regions and learn more about French wine classifications in this podcast episode.

​Let me know, should I do a Part 2 to cover the other regions in France?