
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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- The entry-level white from Domaine de Chevalier, the 2018 L'Esprit De Chevalier is smoking good, and at some point, could make you wonder about the rationale for spending the extra money for the top wine. Ripe lemon, citrus, sliced pineapple, and ... Learn More
- The 2018 Château Lespault-Martillac is terrific, and despite having gravellier, draining soils, the Graves region turned out plenty of beautiful wines in the vintage. This deeply colored effort offers medium to full-bodied richness and notable elegance to go with classic ... Learn More
- Vieux Chateau Saint André belongs to Jean-Claude Berrouet who was the winemaker at Petrus for 44 years until his retirement in 2007. Berrouet was recruited to be winemaker and technical director for Etablissement Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1964 where he was responsible for the ... Learn MoreVieux Chateau Saint Andre 2014$58.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The blackest cherries you can imagine here, but it's startlingly fresh. Still very young but with a fabulously silky texture and delicate minerality that underlines the ravishing fruit beautifully. Very long, cool and stony finish that is so inspiring ... Learn MoreJean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py Beaujolais 2019$59.99 Per item
- The estate's Grand Vin's vineyards are located west of Ordonnac village. Its rows of vines grow on a double thalweg of gravelly-clay. They produce a very fine wine with tight texture, great richness and wonderful freshness. On the palate, the ... Learn MoreChateau Potensac 1989$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 1er Cru "Clos Martin" 2018$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 40+ years old vines. Aged 100% in stainless steel. Comes mostly from very old vines situated in Les Pargues on the hill located between the premier cru sites of Montee de Tonnerre and Vaillons. This terroir has historically always been very highly ... Learn MoreChristian Moreau Chablis Ac 2019$59.99 Per item
- Grapes are pressed for about 8 hours. Then they are vinified in big traditional Alsatian casks and ferment with natural yeasts. ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Buehl' 2017 (En Primeur)$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- 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 Les Forneaux 1er Cru Chablis 2017$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- This wine can be enjoyed within 2 years. Their bouquet displays a dominance of mineral notes, which are often associated with delicate touches of citrus fruit (lemon and grapefruit). It's a ripe, poised and vibrantly fresh Chablis with juicy nectarine, mixed ... Learn MoreDomaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2018$59.99 Per item
- 25% Grenache Noir, 25% Carignan, 25% Mourvèdre, 25% Counoise. "Slightly evolved notes of ripe apple, lees, orange rind and buttered citrus. a balanced, supple texture and nicely integrated acidity, it finishes clean and dry." Jeb Dunnuck ... Learn MoreDomaine Gourt De Mautens Rose 2011$59.99 Per itemOut of stock
- A blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier, only from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, this is exceptional quality Champagne for an unbelievable price! Offering notes of pear, hazelnut and subtle toasty spice on the nose, it follows ... Learn More
- Brothers David and Nicolas Rossignol run this 100% Organic and Biodynamically farmed Domaine located in the very heart of Gevrey Chambertin. Very early to the Sustainable farming movement, all the family's vineyards, located in some of the most impressive vineyards in ... Learn MoreDomaine Rossignol-Trapet Bourgogne Rouge 2017$60.01 Per itemOut of stock
- The 2018 Les Cruzelles comes from gravelly-clayey soil, the Merlot picked September 18-25 and the Cabernet Franc on September 28, and is raised in 40% new oak. It has a more opulent, higher-toned bouquet compared to the La Chenade, offering expressive blueberry and ... Learn More
- 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot - Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (medium toast), of which 40% are new. "The 2016 Cantemerle has a tightly wound bouquet... There are attractive undergrowth scents and a touch of tobacco. The ... Learn MoreChateau Cantemerle 2016 (Bonded - En Primeur)$61.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The 2018 Château Potensac sports a saturated purple color as well as a Cabernet-dominated nose of blackcurrants, cassis, tobacco, and earth. This beauty is full-bodied and concentrated, with notable freshness balancing terrific ripeness. It’s going to evolve nicely for ... Learn More
- Pretty and slightly grapey on the nose, delicately floral. Fragrant with blackcurrant bud. Crisp acidity and a lightly grainy texture. Hint of spice and lots of fresh citrus on the palate. Tight, lively and persistent. - Jancis Robinson ... Learn More
- The grapes are harvested by hand into 20kg trays. Fine with notes of plum, fresh tangerine citrus, grapefruit, with menthol and celery. Slender and crisp on the palate. This wine has a weave of salty bitters underscored by a dash ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Berg' 2015$63.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Grapes are pressed for about 8 hours. Then they are vinified in big traditional Alsatian casks and ferment with natural yeasts. The nose exhibits exotic fruit aromas such as pineapple and mango with mineral notes of blossoms. The palate is powerful ... Learn MoreChapoutier Alsace Riesling 'Lieu-Dit Buehl' 2015$63.00 Per itemOut of stock
- From an exceedingly satisfying vintage, a pinot that offers immediate contentment upon tasting. Aligning a multitude of flowers, early season plums and pomegrante with a fluid texture on the palate. Acidity is nonaggressive, owing to the vintages voluptuousness. An ideal ... Learn MoreDomaine Chevrot et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017$64.00 Per item
- The plot known as “à la Percenette” has a southerly exposure in the Val de Vallière gorge, facing the slope on which Montaigu is situated. Calcareous lias marls, paper shales rich in bloating clays, kaolinites and pyrites. A super terroir ... Learn MorePignier Cuvee a La Percenette Chardonnay 2018$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- The color is of an intense black. The nose shows a delicate but complex bouquet of aromas: pretty notes of black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberries), smoked and grilled notes and sweet spices. In the mouth, the attack is full of freshness, ... Learn MoreDomaine Les Alexandrins Crozes Hermitage 2017$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Vieux Chateau Saint André belongs to Jean-Claude Berrouet who was the winemaker at Petrus for 44 years until his retirement in 2007. Berrouet was recruited to be winemaker and technical director for Etablissement Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1964 where he was responsible for the ... Learn MoreVieux Chateau Saint Andre 2015 (Due April 2021)$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- "Our estate has been family owned since its beginnings in 1854, when it was bought by Louis Carteyron and his son Jacques. For many years, the production was divided between fruit and wine." Hubert Carteyron began direct sales of Château ... Learn MoreChateau La Fleur Penin 2016$64.99 Per item
- Often considered "The greatest Rose in the World" by wine critic Robert Parker, Domaine Tempier always rates alongside neighbour Domaine Ott, but is always the more affordable wine! The grapes used to make our rosé come from selected parcels where ... Learn MoreDomaine Tempier Bandol Rose 2019$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Beginning with the 2009 vintage, Labégorce Zédé has been folded into Labégorce, both of which are owned by the Perrodo family (as is the recently acquired Marquis d'Alesme). The 53-hectare vineyard has thus grown to 65 hectares and remains ... Learn MoreChateau Labegorce Margaux 2018 (En Primeur)$64.99 Per itemOut of stock
- As Andrew Jefford writes in The New France, “The Chave line … could make a fair claim to be France’s winemaking royal family: in no other of France’s great terroirs is the largest individual landholder so deeply rooted in ... Learn MoreJl Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Silene 2018$65.00 Per itemOut of stock
- “The quality here is again so good that I’m tempted to say that Chablis has yet another leading light to add to the usual stars of Raveneau and Dauvissat.” — Burghound. One of the oldest and most respected names in ... Learn MoreChristian Moreau Petit Chablis Ac 2018$65.00 Per itemOut of stock
- REVUE DES VINS DE FRANCE: 1* STAR PRODUCER “We particularly like the style of this domaine, no bullshit, offering driven and intense wines that enter in the best of the Jura tradition.” THE WINE FRONT, MIKE BENNIE: “One of those Jura ... Learn MoreDomaine De Montbourgeau Cotes De Jura Poulsard 2018$65.00 Per itemOut of stock
- 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
- In 1865, inspired by the decorative handle of his office window, Maurice Hennessy created the star symbol that he would use to classify his cognacs. Thus was born the Three Star Cognac, better known today as V.S. Hennesey V.S. ... Learn MoreHennessy Vs Cognac$66.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Moillard is a historic Burgundian négociant house located in the Côte d'Or. Savigny-lès-Beaune is a large village in the Côte de Beaune sub-region of Burgundy, nestled between the hillsides of a sub-valley in the Côte ... Learn MoreMoillard Grivot Savigny Les Beaune 2016$68.99 Per item
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. With its elegant neoclassical style, Château Labégorce is a property in the Margaux appellation, renowned for several centuries for the quality of its wines. In 1989, the Perrodo family acquired this estate and invested ... Learn MoreChateau Labegorce 2019 (En Primeur - Delivery 2022)$69.00 Per itemOut of stock
- The 2019 vintage is characterized on the nose by a beautiful burst of fresh fruit. Merlot brings notes smooth and velvety counterbalanced by Cabernet Franc which provides structure tannic and freshness with a finish of great finesse. A balanced wine marked ... Learn MoreChateau Ferrand 2019 (En Primeur - Delivery 2022)$69.00 Per itemOut of stock
- Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Laroze bursts from the glass with warm plums, baked cherries and mulberries with hints of chocolate box, tapenade and camphor. Full, rich and opulent with bags of black fruit preserves and spicy sparks framed by ... Learn More
- The 2018 La Fleur De Boüard is mostly Merlot but includes 12% Cabernet Franc and just a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Blueberries, cassis, graphite, charcoal, and subtle oak notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced 2018 that has ... Learn More
- The deep ruby/purple-colored 2018 Château Fombrauge is a beauty and one of the finest examples of this cuvée to date. Smoked black fruits, tobacco, graphite, and hints of chocolate all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, rich, impressively ... Learn More
- “18 was abundant, so there’s work to be done now as I hadn’t much to sell from the 16 and 17 vintages – so now heading to salons after having done none in the last two years! 2018 was a year without hail, ... Learn MoreDomaine Mee Godard Morgon "Corcelette" 2018$69.99 Per item
- Rosé Cœur de Grain is an expression of a blend of three grapes typical of the Côtes de Provence appellation: Grenache, the majority grape, chosen for its full-bodied texture, Cinsault for its well-known softness and Syrah for its ... Learn MoreDomaine Ott 'Clos Mireille' Coeur De Grain Rose 2019$69.99 Per itemOut of stock
- Awarded best Champagne producer at the 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition The Le Brun family live by the village of Bethon in the Marne. The memory of Madame Le Brun, who owned the castle in 1845, is still alive today. The house ... Learn MoreLe Brun De Neuville Blanc De Blancs Nv$69.99 Per itemOut of stock