France, Japan
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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This Syrah is truly expressive of the South of France. Lightly perfumed with aromas of dark berries, plum, sweet spice and hints of forest bramble. The palate is rich and supple with a core of ripe and naturally sweet berried ... Learn MoreMaison De Parnasse Syrah 2017$11.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 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 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 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 2018$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 Des Cassanets Cotes Du Rhone 2017$14.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 - HELD IN BOND)$17.00 Per item -
Le Chat Noir is a range of modern French wines created by Vincent Charleux. Aromas of strawberries, blackberries and spiced plums, with a hint of dried roses. The palate is light-medium bodied, with bright red berries, a touch of savouriness, ... Learn MoreLe Chat Noir Pinot Noir 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Made solely from Syrah that is completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. The nose is aromatic and sweetly perfumed with aromas of strawberries and rose petals. The palate is ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Rose 2019$17.00 Per item -
Made solely from Syrah that is completely whole bunch fermented with a short maceration (a few hours) sufficient to impart colour and texture. The nose is aromatic and sweetly perfumed with aromas of strawberries and rose petals. The palate is ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Rose 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Pinot Noir 2019$17.99 Per item -
The nose displays raspberry and cherry aromas with a hint of fresh herbs. A light-medium bodied palate, with ripe fruit flavours of red currant, cherry and strawberry fruits. Some hints of baking spices and subtle oak in the background. To ... Learn MoreBertaine Et Fils Pinot Noir 2018$17.99 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 - HELD IN BOND)$18.78 Per item -
"Our CLAUDE VAL wines are made with grapes selected from the best Languedoc vineyards: Limoux, Carcassonne / Puicheric (Minervois) and Pézenas. Thanks to the modern equipment and the know-how of our oenologists, we made simple and uncomplicated wines, and their ... Learn MoreClaude Val Languedoc Rose 2018$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
This is a harmonious traditional blend showing beautiful lifted aromas of dark berry fruit with subtle spices and dark chocolate that flows seamlessly to a rich, mouth-filling palate. This is a proud reflection of this rugged region, delivering plush fruit ... Learn MoreLe Chat Noir Grenache Mourvedre Syrah 2017$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from high density vineyard blocks of significant vine age up to 40 years. Fine and delicate in style, with aromas of strawberry, citrus, hazelnut and honeysuckle. The palate is quite dry with a ... Learn MoreVeuve Ambal Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rose NV$19.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
"A great value for a summer party" - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast Magazine 70% Chenin blanc, 30% Chardonnay. Aged for 18 months on lees, this method traditional sparkling shows excellent finesse of mousse and purity of fruit with pear, almond and fig notes. ... Learn MoreMonmousseau Brut Etoile 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 -
The principal grape variety of the Cahors appellation, Malbec is also grown in the Bordeaux region. It is also grown in Argentina to produce wines that are hugely popular around the world. This early-ripening grape yields a wine that is ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Malbec 2018$21.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Both hailing from the same region – Burgundy – Catherine Delaunay and Pinot Noir were destined to get along! With its lovely balance between tautness and roundness, Les Jamelles Pinot Noir is more than appealing! Endowed with beautiful ruby red colour, Les ... Learn MoreLes Jammelles Pinot Noir 2018$21.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Viognier is one of the iconic white wines of the Les Jamelles range. With its fruity aromas and flavours along with its roundness and freshness, our Viognier holds plenty of nice surprises in store for your tasting experience! Endowed with ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Viognier 2018$21.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Les Jamelles Chardonnay stands out for its freshness, fruit and richness, recalling the Burgundian origins of the creator of the wines, Catherine Delaunay. Doted with gorgeous limpid golden colour, this wine is redolent of apricot and pear aromas, notes of ... Learn MoreLes Jamelles Chardonnay 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 -
Following careful selection of the best wines in the cellar, we make a single blend, which will be bottled at the Estate about eighteen months after the harvest. Loaded with red and black berries, beautiful violets, dried provincial herbs and ... Learn MoreMont-Redon Reserve Cotes Du Rhone 2016$21.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Picpoul de Pinet is located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is one of the few regions in France that is named after the grape varietal that is most common there. Grown meters from the oyster ... Learn MoreChateau Font-Mars Picpoul De Pinet 2018$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Picpoul de Pinet is located in the Languedoc region in the south of France. It is one of the few regions in France that is named after the grape varietal that is most common there. Grown meters from the oyster ... Learn MoreChateau Font-Mars Picpoul De Pinet 2017$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 - HELD IN BOND)$23.00 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 -
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 2016$23.49 Per itemOut of stock -
A dry Provencal classic made of cinsault with grenache, syrah and merlot too, this is bright and summery with strawberries, pomegranate spritz and richer vanilla aromas. Crunchy-fresh with sour-red grapefruit to start, it then mellows with a creamy edge to ... Learn MoreDomaine De Triennes Rose 2020$23.99 Per item -
A dry Provencal classic made of cinsault with grenache, syrah and merlot too, this is bright and summery with strawberries, pomegranate spritz and richer vanilla aromas. Crunchy-fresh with sour-red grapefruit to start, it then mellows with a creamy edge to ... Learn MoreDomaine De Triennes Rose 2019$23.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Fresh but disciplined. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, our Rosé is a finely textured, complex Syrah-Grenache blend. Importantly, it is made in a multi-step process relying on skin contact - a short maceration, not by the traditional saignée ... Learn MoreChene Bleu Le Rose 2018$23.99 Per item -
WINNER; Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge. This zesty, fresh Sauvignon Blanc is produced by one of Touraine’s finest estates, owned and run by the Delaunay family for 5 generations. Joel Delaunay took over in 1965 and began producing estate-bottled ... Learn MoreBlanc de Lys Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020$24.99 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 -
Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars are proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine that is easy to drink but with enough complexity to keep every drinker happy. This wine is produced from ... Learn MoreJean-Paul Brun Beaujolais 'Le Ronsay' 2019$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
Les Vignobles Foncalieu named 'Cooperative Winery of the Year 2012' by the Revue du Vin de France - the biggest magazine in the French wine industry! A strong and aromatic nose of red fruits mixed with liquorice notes. Medium bodied, ... Learn More -
An amazing French Chardonnay, great value for money, with aromas of white flowers, ripe fruit and a hint of honey. A generous yet well-balanced mouthfeel with fresh stone fruit characters and a hint of oak. Perfect for every day of ... Learn More