
France
Wine is being produced throughout France and has been done for over 2,500 years with certain Châteaux dating their history back to Roman times, around 6th Century BC. Ranking second in the world in per-capita consumption and first in total production quantity. More-so than the overall quantity of wine is the quantity of truly great wines coming out of France makes the nation the envy of wine-making nations worldwide.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
Two concepts pivotal to the higher end French wines, in particular, are the idea of 'terroir' and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the way the geography, geology and climate find their way into the glass, telling a story of the origin of the wine. The AOC was set up in 1935 and has the primary goal of protecting the authenticity of the wines and the livelihoods of the producers. Appellation rules strictly define which varieties of grapes and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or in some cases, like in Burgundy even specific vineyards.
Classic wine regions in France include Champagne (home of Champagne), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot), Alsace (Aromatic varietals), Loire Valley (Chenin Blanc, Crémant) and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Mourvedre)
The Bordeaux classification of 1855 is still in use, as is the Sauternes and Barsac Classification of the same year. Wines from certain regions can be bought En Primeur, which is when the wine is sold prior to it being bottled.
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- Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'Ombre Des Parasols Vaucluse Rose 2020$14.99 Per item
- Sourced entirely from a vineyard that borders the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape region, with identical 'Galet' stone soils. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge, this is absolutely astounding value for money. A brooding nose of ... Learn More
- Sourced entirely from a vineyard that borders the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape region, with identical 'Galet' stone soils. Awarded a Gold Medal at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge, this is absolutely astounding value for money. A brooding nose of ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Cassanets Cotes Du Rhone 2019$14.99 Per item
- Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'Ombre Des Parasols Vaucluse Rose 2019$14.99 Per item
- Sourced from selected vineyards in the area of Carcassonne & the Minervois where there is a predominance of clay and limestone soils, with grapes picked on flavour and yield. The wines are produced and bottled in association with Celliers Jean d'Alibert. ... Learn MoreVal St Pierre 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Chardonnay 2020$19.99 Per item
- Maison Veuve Ambal was founded in the heart of Burgundy in 1898 by Veuve Marie Ambal, widow of a Parisian banker. The wines immediately gained recognition, and her grandson Charles Roux Ambal, followed by his grandson and current President Eric Piffaut, ... Learn MoreVeuve Ambal Vin Mousseaux Blanc De Blanc Nv$19.99 Per item
- Clair de Rose embodies the quintessence of a Les Jamelles rosé, though, exceptionally, it is a blend of two grape varieties, Grenache and Cinsault. The result is a subtle wine that is well balanced: elegant and delectable, floral and fruity, ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Clair de Rose 2018$21.00 Per item
- Composed of grapes from five carefully selected terroirs, Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc derives its freshness and minerality from the Thau lagoon basin, the dried-up marsh of Marseillette, the Upper Aude Valley near Limoux, and the western Aude department. Doted with ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc 2018$21.00 Per item
- Small red fruits, blackberry and floral violet aromas. Intensely aromatic, powerful but full of finesse. As with the white, the quality of the basic Côtes du Rhône is more than noteworthy, especially when you consider the quantity produced. ... Learn MoreE. Guigal Côtes-Du-Rhône Rouge 2017$23.49 Per item
- A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah carefully selected from the best soils of Côtes de Provence. The nose shows rose petals and spice but also crab-apples and red apples. Some really nice peach character on the palate that’ ... Learn MoreMirabeau Cotes De Provence Rose 2020$24.99 Per item
- Made by the best co-operative producer in France, and imported exclusively by United Cellars. A delicate pretty nose, attractively scented. Notes of red fruits combine with more floral aromas like apple or orange blossom. Fresh and truly delicious with fruit ... Learn MoreLe Versant 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Rose 2020$24.99 Per item
- One of the most exciting new wines from this rapidly modernising region. Made by Philippe Cambie, former winemaker at Chateau Rayas. Cambie has received 100 point scores fifteen times and was also awarded global winemaker of the year in 2010 by critic ... Learn More
- Exclusive to United Cellars - our most popular Syrah! A sumptuous and youthful Syrah from sun-drenched vineyards in the south of France. Aromatic nose with aromas of small mashed red fruits mixed with spicy and smokey hints. Rich and silky ... Learn More
- A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah carefully selected from the best soils of Côtes de Provence. The nose shows rose petals and spice but also crab-apples and red apples. Some really nice peach character on the palate that’ ... Learn MoreMirabeau Cotes De Provence Rose 2019$24.99 Per item
- Our sparkling rosé wine “La Folie” hails from northern Provence and the Luberon. Crafted using the “Charmat Method” (like Prosecco) this is a charming and fragrant rosé fizz. A beautiful ballet slipper pink, with a delicate sparkle and a nose ... Learn More
- Located in Haut-Medoc, Chateau Larrivaux is a wine estate founded in the 16th century. Established on land where nothing existed before, the mansion and vineyard were erected against all odds. The peculiarity of this estate is that it has been ... Learn MoreChateau Larrivaux 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$29.40 Per item
- A brilliant pale gold colour. A fine bouquet full of the aromas of white flowers and yellow fruit (Pear William). One finds citrus notes on breathing (grapefruit). The attack is gentle with a lovely vivacity where one finds agreeable notes ... Learn MoreMarc Bredif Vouvray Classic 2020$29.99 Per item
- Nicholas Potel is a fabulous negociant winemaker that has made a name for producing Quality Burgundy at reasonable prices. Maison Roche de Bellene has created a range of “pleasure” wines: the Bellenos Collection. Due to their brand name, the wines ... Learn MoreRoche De Bellene 'Bellenos' Blanc 2018$29.99 Per item
- Nicholas Potel is a fabulous negociant winemaker that has made a name for producing Quality Burgundy at reasonable prices. Maison Roche de Bellene has created a range of “pleasure” wines: the Bellenos Collection. Due to their brand name, the wines ... Learn MoreRoche De Bellene 'Bellenos' Rouge 2018$29.99 Per item
- The stunning French Alpine region of Savoie (also known as Savoy) is known for its beautiful freshwater lakes and snow-capped mountains, but also for its wines. Restrained aromas of white flowers, lemons and limes, followed by a distinctive mineral, rocky ... Learn MoreDomaine De Chatillon Savoie Jacquere 2018$29.99 Per item
- AIX cemented its pedigree, when it was awarded the gold medal to become the most celebrated rosé in the world at the 'Mondial du Rosé 2016' (International Rosé Wine Competition) in Cannes. Fresh, delicate perfume with notes of watermelon, strawberries & ... Learn MoreAix Provence Rose 2020$29.99 Per item
- The grapes of the Le Clos Martin are carefully sourced and the process of vintification and aging utilizes centuries of knowledge and techniques crafted by the Louis Moreau family who produce wine at the highest of quality standards This fruity ... Learn MorePetit Chablis Aoc "Clos Martin" 2020$32.99 Per item
- Purple colour. Intense and clean nose, dominated by black cherry notes, candied black fruit with floral nuances, rose and violet. A rich and lively attack on the palate with very silky tannins, sweet and savoury. Lingering and fresh finish showing ... Learn MoreChateau Lanessan 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$34.00 Per item
- Château de Lachassagne is an exceptional place, located in the very south of Burgundy, with a unique view over the Saône Valley. It is a 62 hectares propriety, totally surrounded by small walls called ’"Clos". A bright, elegant expression ... Learn More
- Château de Lachassagne is an exceptional place, located in the very south of Burgundy, with a unique view over the Saône Valley. It is a 62 hectares propriety, totally surrounded by small walls called ’"Clos". A clean, pure expression ... Learn More
- Delicate, luminous pale lychee colour with some silver reflexes, Etoile Provence Rosé is complex, subtle and elegant with a wide aromatic palette on the nose and originates from the beautiful region of Mont Sainte Victoire. ... Learn MoreMirabeau Etoile Cotes De Provence Rose 2020$34.99 Per item
- Founded in 1570 by the Picoron family, Château Picoron has a long history of wine. Now days, Château Picoron is operated by an Australian family. What we produce is as much a celebration of the history of our winery, ... Learn MoreChateau Petit Picoron Bordeaux 2016$34.99 Per item
- The vineyard was able to replenish its water reserves thanks to a particularly wet, warm January. The vegetative cycle was delayed by a few days, however. February brought much cooler weather, and March, more rain. Budburst happened in the middle ... Learn MoreWilliam Fevre Petit Chablis 2019$35.00 Per item
- "Our Chablis vineyards, located primarily in the lush Valvan valley, are on average 25 years old. Wine produced from these 8 parcels, blended and matured in the true Chablis tradition, reveal all the facets of this rich ground." Louis Michel & Fils It ... Learn MoreLouis Michel Petit Chablis 2019$36.99 Per item
- From the team of Denis Durantou, the 2018 Saintayme (100% Merlot brought up in 30% new oak) is a total charmer that savvy readers should snatch up. Offering full-bodied notes of black raspberries, kirsch, and spice box, it has silky tannins, a terrific ... Learn MoreChateau Saintayme 2018$38.85 Per item
- Deep purple-black in colour, the nose is more open at the core of the wine than the Le Petit Cheval, strutting out of the glass with bold, ripe black cherries, cassis, warm plums and raspberry preserves notes. With coaxing, a ... Learn MoreChateau Belle-Vue 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$39.00 Per item
- Sourced from grapes grown from some of the most choice land in the surrounding region of La Motte en Provence, consisting primarily of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault. Aromas of peach, white cherry and white raspberry mingle together. The palate ... Learn MoreChateau D'Esclans 'Whispering Angel' Rose 2020$39.90 Per item
- The grapes of the Le Clos Martin are carefully sourced and the process of vintification and aging utilizes centuries of knowledge and techniques crafted by the Louis Moreau family who produce wine at the highest of quality standards. ... Learn MoreClos Martin Chablis A.O.C 2020$39.99 Per item
- Château de Lachassagne is an exceptional place, located in the very south of Burgundy, with a unique view over the Saône Valley. It is a 62 hectares propriety, totally surrounded by small walls called ’"Clos". Manual harvest, pneumatic pressing, ... Learn More
- The grapes of the Le Clos Martin are carefully sourced and the process of vintification and aging utilizes centuries of knowledge and techniques crafted by the Louis Moreau family who produce wine at the highest of quality standards. ... Learn MoreChablis A.O.C "Clos Martin" 2018$39.99 Per item
- 2016 in Alsace is considered a great Riesling vintage. Dry, fresh, elegant and well structured, it has a developed nose showing lemon and lime, with mineral tones. The palate has nice ripe fruit. White peach, quince, grapefruit and lemon with lovely ... Learn MoreTrimbach Riesling 2017$40.00 Per item
- a well made Francs Côtes de Bordeaux that belongs to the Chadronnier family, owners of Bordeaux merchant CVBG. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate ... Learn MoreChateau Marsau Francs - Cotes du Bordeaux 2016$40.00 Per item
- A winery built on the foundations of an exceptional wine estate near Saint – Tropez. The beauty of this wine extends from the bottle to the contents. Layers of raspberry, strawberry jam in the nose invite you to a gorgeous, yet ... Learn MoreUltimate Provence UP Rose 2020$40.00 Per item
- Château Citran is one of the oldest properties in the Médoc. In 1996, the Merlaut family took over the reins of the estate. This property produces elegant Haut-Médoc wines that combine tradition and modernity. Fresh and fruity, the ... Learn MoreChateau Citran 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$42.00 Per item
- Pretty aromatic freshness on the nose with floral notes. Laudable balance of sweetness and freshness with a good weight of fruit, lively acidity and a long, refreshing finish. Lovely wine! - Decanter ... Learn MoreDomaine de la Pigeade Muscat Beaumes de Venise 2019$44.99 Per item