Wine To The Face

For People Who Drink Wine - and Do Other Stuff Good Too

A Holmes

French Wine Regions 101

In France, wines are usually classified by the region, rather than the grape. Since there is such a diverse range of climates in France, each regions usually has its own unique tastes and flavors. Check out all the red areas on this map, and chances are, you've dabbled with wines from one of these regions. I've also outlined some basic flavors that you can expect with each region.

Alsace - Mostly known for white wines, as is the country to its right, Germany

Bordeaux - Dark, gritty, tannic. Mostly known for red wines. These wines are everywhere. Personally, I tend to drink Bordeaux with a meal.

Burgundy - One of the most diverse regions. Look for both red and whites from the many of subregions of Burgundy including Beaujolais (South near Lyon) and Chablis (North near Auxerre).

Champagne - Um, yea, doesn't nead much description. Sparkling wine from anywhere else in the world is just 'sparkling wine'

Longuedoc-Roussilon - Cheap French wine is grown here. Can someone get me the name of a producer here, pronto?

Rhone Valley - Produces both red and white, but I've mostly seen Reds from this region (I also rarely check out the white wine section in stores, so that may be to blame as well) Made from Syrah grapes most commonly, expect the reds to be lighter or medium bodied wines.

2 Comments

William White Comment by William White on February 25, 2008 at 5:22pm
Bordeaux baby - we drank 2003 Lascombes, Margaux to the face on Friday night - a very killer bottle - no meal needed with this baby.
A Holmes Comment by A Holmes on February 25, 2008 at 5:40pm
Margaux was excellent, as was the ac milan arsenal match

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