
France, Vouvray
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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- 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 2019$29.99 Per item
- The Pichot family is one of the oldest in Vouvray with origins as restaurateurs going back to 1739 later followed by the purchase of the superb Coteau de la Biche vineyards in 1770 establishing them as growers to help supply the restaurant. ... Learn MoreDomaine Pichot Vouvray Demi Sec 'Clos Berger' 2018$32.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Widely considered to be the single greatest Vouvray domaine and one of the foremost white wine producers in the world today, Domaine Huet should require little introduction. Domaine Huet was founded in 1928 by Victor Huet, however, it was his son, ... Learn More
- Only the best grower Champagnes produce sparkling wines with the kind of interest, sense of place and attention to detail offered by this wine. Bottled at a low pressure of 2.5 atmospheres, (most Champagnes are between five and six), this wine ... Learn MoreDomaine Huet Vouvray Petillant 2014$65.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Le Mont provides the perfect middle ground between Le Haut-Lieu and Clos du Bourg in this vintage. A complex nose with scents of pineapple, soil tones, honeycomb, and a touch of tangerine. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied ... Learn MoreDomaine Huet 'Le Clos Du Bourg' Demi Sec Vouvray 2016$98.90 Per itemOut of stock
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Loire Valley, an important wine region in France but we don't see enough of it here in Australia. We believe these wines suit our climate and lifestyle exceptionally well and so we're going to explore this region and the ... Learn More
- Domaine Huet is one of the most famous and respected producers in Vouvray. "highly elegant and with lovely flinty flavors. Intense and concentrated, with great finesse and vitality, this is a highly elegant and perfectly balanced wine with a persistent ... Learn MoreDomaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Premier Trie 2015$139.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Domaine Huet is one of the most famous and respected producers in Vouvray. This is a special Museum release imported direct from the winery. "This is an age-worthy Chenin that is only slowly starting to unfold its charms. 95+ points Robert ... Learn MoreDomaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont 2009 (Museum Release)$139.00 Per itemOut of stock