France is one of the leading producers of wine grapes in the world. With several different varieties of grapes in France, there is sure to be a TASTE for any pallet. With a combination of its lush fertile valley’s and perfect growing climate, France is one of the most prime spots for “wine-making”. For hundreds of years, France has grown a selective group of the finest “Vines” in the world. Although rivaled in the world market today, France still offers some of the best varieties of wines ever!
Alsace Lorraine, France
The Riesling:
Situated in the famous Rhine Valley, Alsace is one of the “hottest” wine grape producers in the world. Its vines are lush and bountiful and often have large crops to harvest. Alsace is very different from any other French growing area, in that it is completely full of German tradition and lore. It produces mostly fruity dry white wines. Its main grape is the Riesling. The Riesling is a very fruity grape that produces a sweeter variety of wine. This wine is made differently from others across the region. For example, its “musted” instead of distilled. In Alsace, wines are most often made the German way. Meaning that the actual recipe is most likely from Germany. This wine boasts a “fruity” type of taste and pairs nicely with baked fish or some type of white sauce pasta. The Riesling is coveted for its light taste and sweet aroma.
Bordeaux, France
The Bordeaux:
This is without a doubt the most famous wine and wine-growing region in the world. This region, famous for its Bordeaux wine, is not only perfect for growing grapes, but it’s also a gorgeous place to visit. The climate is perfect for the species of grapes it grows there. This wine is exquisite in its own right. Full-bodied and hearty, it pairs nicely with red meat dishes and tomato-based pasta dishes. The Bordeaux is France’s most famous exported wine and is also the Royal Family’s generational favorite. The Bordeaux Vineyard is situated around the Goronne and Dordogne rivers. This lustrous land is simply perfect for growing these famous grapes.
Medoc, France
The Bourgeois:
This particular wine gets its name from the region it’s from. It’s a hearty Bordeaux, with a full-body flavor that pairs well with pasta and steak. This red wine is often used as an inexpensive alternative to the Bordeaux. You get the fullness of the Bordeaux without the “hefty” price tag.
Bourgogne, France (AKA, Burgundy)
Burgundy:
A red wine of high dollar value, this wine is more of a lighter-bodied Rosette. There are many different classifications of this wine. Including, some “lower value” and “lesser quality” white wines. These wines (the ‘reds’) can keep for 20 or 30 years. These wines are quite popular among elite circles. Finding one’s way around the different Burgundies is a ‘bit of a task’. It is definitely hard to find a quality vintage at a ‘value’ price. There are many “knock-offs” of this particular wine, so be cautious when buying one.
Champagne, France
Champagne:
Champagne is a favorite among the stars of Hollywood. It’s famous “bubbles” and light taste, make it a well sought out “drink of choice”. Pairing well with almost any dish, dessert or candy, this wine is probably the most popular of all. French Champagne is actually very hard to produce. There are many steps in the process of making it. Champagne is a type of “sparkling white wine”. It is by no means the only type of “sparkling white wine” from France. However, IT IS the most prized. French Champagne is not Chardonnay. Champagne is not a blend of different grapes. A true Champagne is only one variety of white grape and the process of making it becomes a whole lot easier, with a much more palatable outcome.
Wine at its Best
There are a wide variety of French wines out there. With so many different species of generational vines and with so many different recipes, the French wine market has provided the world with high-quality libations for hundreds of years. French wines are known to be some of the best ever.
In Conclusion
France has long been a wine maker’s dream. From producing these wines to marketing these wines, France will always be a “Fine Wine” producer. With the many different types of wines available there, you are always sure that your investment in those wines will please everyone. France has been making a strong “comeback” in the wine market as of late and it is definitely on the rise again in the industry!
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