SSB / SBS Blend, 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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Chateau La Tour Blanche is best served at 14 degrees Celsius. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. "The 2016 La Tour Blanche has a typically rich bouquet with clear honey, orange blossom and a touch of ... Learn MoreChateau La Tour Blanche 2016 (Bonded - En Primeur)$75.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A great wine from the finest terroir, awarded an incredible 99 points from wine critic James Suckling. "The 2016 Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a perfumed, minerally bouquet that is taut and focused, beautifully defined and very precise. The palate is very well ... Learn MoreChateau Lafaurie Peyraguey 2016 (Bonded - En Primeur)$95.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A blend of 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The nose is characterised by dominant citrus aromas, such as orange and grapefruit. It also shows notes of pineapple, peach, vanilla and broom flower with a hint of toasted brioche. The attack ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet 2016$97.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This vintage is a blend of 94% Semillon and 6% Sauvignon Blanc, and has 130 g/L residual sugar. Rich and sweet, yet impeccably balanced. "The 2019 is a gorgeous and totally compelling wine." - Antonio Galloni Suduiraut's winemaker Pierre Pascaud has produced a ... Learn MoreChateau Suduiraut 2019 (En Primeur - Delivery 2022)$120.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Château Coutet is a Premier Cru Classé (French: First Growth) sweet wine from the Sauternes-Barsac appellation located in Barsac, in the southern part of France’s Bordeaux vineyards. Château Coutet is one of the oldest Sauternes producing vineyards. ... Learn MoreChateau Coutet Sauternes 2000 500Ml$160.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Château La Tour-Blanche is a small estate producing only 4,500 cases each vintage of its delectable sweet white made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. One of the first vineyards to be granted Premier Cru status, it has only been ... Learn MoreChateau La Tour Blanche Sauternes 2007$200.00 Per itemOut of stock -
After a mild, very dry winter, the growing season got off to a strong start thanks to abnormally high temperatures in spring. In fact, the months of April and May were the warmest in over a century! As a result, ... Learn MoreChateau D'Yquem 'Y' 2013$425.00 Per itemOut of stock
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