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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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 -
Maison Louis Latour is one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy whilst maintaining its traditional image. In 1979, with a view to expanding the business the valley of the Ardèche river with its clay and limestone-based soils was chosen ... Learn MoreLouis Latour Ardeche Chardonnay 2018$34.99 Per item
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HELD IN BOND The 12 hectare, Right Bank vineyard of Chateau Taillefer is planted to 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This represents a continuing change in the vineyard as Chateau Taillefer has over the years removed the substantial amount of Cabernet Sauvignon ... Learn MoreChateau Taillefer 2020 (En Primeur - HELD IN BOND)$34.99 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
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"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 -
The history of Château Poesia is marked by its acquisition by Hélène Garcin and Patrice Leveque in 2014. Previously Château Poesia was known as Château Haut Villet. His name “Poesia” comes from the other estates – located ... Learn MoreChateau Poesia 2020 (En Primeur - HELD IN BOND)$37.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Formerly Château Croix Figeac, now château Pierre 1er as a tribute to the owner’s father Pierre Dutruilh Amazing terroir! 11 ha of the same plot of vines, located between the Château Cheval Blanc and Figeac on 3 different ... Learn MoreChateau Pierre 1er 2020 (En Primeur - HELD IN BOND)$37.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Formerly Château Croix Figeac, now château Pierre 1er as a tribute to the owner’s father Pierre Dutruilh Amazing terroir! 11 ha of the same plot of vines, located between the Château Cheval Blanc and Figeac on 3 different ... Learn MoreChateau Pierre 1er 2020 (En Primeur - Delivery 2023)$37.99 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 -
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 - HELD IN BOND)$39.00 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 -
Bas Armagnac Delord XO is aged for a minimum of 6 years and has a gorgeous burnished/tawny/bronze colour. ... Learn MoreDelord Xo - 10 Years Bas Armagnac (200Ml)$39.99 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. ... Learn MoreClos Martin Chablis A.O.C 2020$39.99 Per item -
The cru is situated in the north of Beaujolais. ... Learn MoreDominique Piron Fleurie 2019$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Already hugely popular in the European market, United Cellars is proud to be the sole importer of this incredibly enjoyable wine. Intensely floral nose of potpourri, dried lavender and blueberries. Soft, light mineral tannins, earthy spices but plenty of blue ... Learn MoreJean-Paul Brun Fleurie Beaujolais 2018$39.99 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. Classic Moulin a Vent with ... Learn MoreJean Paul Brun Moulin A Vent Beaujolais 2018$39.99 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. ... Learn MoreChablis A.O.C "Clos Martin" 2018$39.99 Per item -
In the heart of Chablis, in Burgundy, Louis Moreau produces and sells exceptional wines, worldwide recognized. Planted 100% with Chardonnay grape variety, on the unique terroir of Chablis the vines of Domaines Louis Moreau are spread over the 4 levels of the ... Learn MoreLouis Moreau Chablis 2018$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Gigondas comes from a UNESCO heritage site known as the Montmirail hill, that is unlike any other vineyard on Earth. The soils are white granite rocks, and produce intense, complex reds. Domaine Brusset are one of the largest vineyard ... Learn MoreDomaine Brusset Gigondas Tradition Grand Montmirail 2017$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The wines are aged in an average of 20% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months before bottling. Chateau Ferrande can be enjoyed on the young side with decanting. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 hour. This allows the wine ... Learn MoreChateau Ferrande Graves Bordeaux 2015$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 2019$40.00 Per item -
The DEZAT family is one of the oldest wine-growing families in Sancerre. References to the family can be found in records dating as far back as 1550. André DEZAT took over the family vineyards in 1948 and became actively involved in promoting ... Learn MoreAndre Dezat Sancerre 2020$41.99 Per item -
The DEZAT family is one of the oldest wine-growing families in Sancerre. References to the family can be found in records dating as far back as 1550. André DEZAT took over the family vineyards in 1948 and became actively involved in promoting ... Learn MoreAndre Dezat Sancerre 2019$41.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The DEZAT family is one of the oldest wine-growing families in Sancerre. References to the family can be found in records dating as far back as 1550. André DEZAT took over the family vineyards in 1948 and became actively involved in promoting ... Learn MoreAndre Dezat Sancerre 2018$41.99 Per itemOut of stock