
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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- 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 MoreOut of stock
- Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The house was founded in 1898 in the esteemed Burgundy region of northern France, where their wines gained immediate and long-lasting success. Today the 6th generation of the family leads the winery, producing elegant sparkling Cremant for ... Learn MoreHenri Rousseau Bdb Chardonnay Brut Nv$24.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- Very elegant organic Pinot Noir in the Burgundian style. Red fruits meet pretty rose aromas and hints of earthy spices. Full of freshness, elegance & finesse, this wine is long, balanced and exhibits real Pinot Noir typicity - red cherry fruit ... Learn MoreDomaine De La Metairie Pinot Noir 2017$26.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- Very pale in colour with a mineral nose featuring aromas of flint, red fruit (blackcurrant, pomegranate), rose petal and grapefruit. Lively and fresh on the palate with a fruity finish and a refreshing hint of bitterness. Winemaking: Whole bunches fed ... Learn More
- Pale gold in colour with green highlights. Lifted nose boasting a great deal of complexity: white peach, ripe lemon followed by notes of baked citrus dessert and subtle florals. Integrated oak is in support of a well balanced, fresh wine ... Learn More
- 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
- 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 2019$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 2018$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 2018$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Gerard Bertrand is the largest producer of Organic, sustainable and Biodynamic wine in the world. Mourvedre and Grenache grown on limestone cliffs above the Mediterranean are chilled and gently pressed then blended with the pale juice of ‘saignée’ Syrah ... Learn MoreGerard Bertrand Chateau L'Hospitalet Rose 2015$29.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 2017$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" 2018$32.99 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
- A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah carefully selected from the best soils of Côtes de Provence. The aromatic harmony of grenache and cinsault offers some notes of peach and candied orange. The palate is fresh, smooth and round ... Learn MoreM De Minuty Provence Rose 2019$33.00 Per item
- The ancient Côtes-du-Rhône Villages vineyards of LES CASSAGNES are located in Sérignan-du-Comtat in Domaine de la Renjarde and managed by the Château La Nerthe team with the same passion and experience for which the esteemed Châ ... Learn MoreLa Nerthe 'Les Cassagnes' Cotes Du Rhone 2018$33.99 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 2016$33.99 Per item
- The ancient Côtes-du-Rhône Villages vineyards of LES CASSAGNES are located in Sérignan-du-Comtat in Domaine de la Renjarde and managed by the Château La Nerthe team with the same passion and experience for which the esteemed Châ ... Learn MoreLa Nerthe 'Les Cassagnes' Cotes Du Rhone 2017$33.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "this is an excellent Lanessan" - Decanter 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 ... Learn MoreChateau Lanessan 2019 (En Primeur - Delivery 2022)$34.00 Per itemOut of stock
- One of Entre Deux Mers nicest chateaux and estates. A deep colored, rich and velvety superior Bordeaux. Château Saint-Germain is bottled without filtering, it is possible that a light deposit may form, this is entirely natural and is an ... Learn MoreChateau Saint Germain 1996$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality…” David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate “Few Beaujolais growers are in a position to pronounce on the region’s different terroirs ... Learn MorePierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 2019$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- "From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality…” David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate “Few Beaujolais growers are in a position to pronounce on the region’s different terroirs ... Learn MorePierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- 2015 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 2015$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Mirabeau Étoile originates from the same high altitude vineyard parcels as Pure. A stunning lychee coloured rosé with crystalline nuances, this wine is almost celestially sublime. An alluring bright colour of pale litchi, Etoile is the limited edition star of ... Learn MoreMirabeau Etoile Cotes De Provence Rose 2018$34.99 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". 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
- Intense inky colour. On the nose, aromas of red and black ripe fruit (kirsch and wild Blackberry) are dominant. The mouth is full, with aromas of blackcurrant liquor and spice. Tannins are both harmonious and elegant thanks to the fleshy ... Learn MoreOut of stock
- Domaine Michelas st Jemms are the oldest individual winery in Crozes Hermitage established in 1961. They were the first family to leave the Cave de Tain cooperative, becoming the first independent in the region, and setting the stage for many others ... Learn MoreDomaine Michelas St Jemms Crozes Hermitage Fleur De Syrahne 2018$34.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- 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 2018$35.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 More
- drawn from Peybon's biodynamically-certified limestone and clay soils in the Premières Côtes de Blaye (on the right bank overlooking the picturesque Gironde estuary). Wild yeast fermented with 90% fermented and aged in concrete and 10% fermented and aged in two- ... Learn MoreChâteau Peybonhomme-Les-Tours Côtes De Blaye 2017$39.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The vines that produce this cuvée are over 40 years old. As above, the wines are wild yeast fermented, but L'Atypic is raised entirely in concrete (and bottled unfiltered). ... Learn MoreChateau Peybonhomme 'L’Atypic' 2017$39.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- 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 2019$39.90 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 2018$39.90 Per itemOut of stock