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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Veuve Ambal specialises in sparkling wine from the Burgundy region in France. Founded in the heart of Burgundy in 1898 & sourced from 40+ year old vineyard blocks. The bouquet shows inviting notes of red fruits and florals with some biscuity complexity. The ... Learn MoreVEUVE AMBAL VIN MOUSSEAUX ROSE NVNZ$22.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Made by the renowned Château de Brigue with 100% estate grown fruit from Côte de Provence. The winery is managed by four brothers, the third generation of the Brun family. A blend of 35% Syrah, 35% Cinsault and 30% Mourvèdre. Clean ... Learn MoreFLEURS DE PARIS COTES DE PROVENCE ROSE 2016NZ$23.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Paradou" in the old Provençal language refers to the old windmills near the vineyards. The Chaudière Family have carefully selected sandy, limestone soils to grow the grapes for this 100% Cinsault rosé. Crisp & easy to share, with a a ... Learn MoreLE PARADOU ROSE 2019NZ$24.99 Per item -
A sumptuous and youthful Syrah from sun-drenched vineyards in the south of France exclusive to United Cellars. Aromatic nose with aromas of small mashed red fruits mixed with spicy and smokey hints. Rich and silky palate, offering great vibrancy and ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT FONCALIEU 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' SYRAH 2018NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
#1 most popular Rose in France. A light, refreshing & easy-going wine with bright aromatics. The medium-weighted palate is lifted by refreshing, citrus-flavoured acidity, ending with an orange and strawberry fuelled finish. ... Learn MoreLISTEL ROSE 2017NZ$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Intensely coloured, with invting aromas of black cherry yogurt and blackcurrant coulis. A blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, this is a supple wine with good mid-palate fruit flavours of blackcurrants and raspberry. Bright acidity & ripe tannins with ... Learn MoreCHATEAU HAUT MAGINET BORDEAUX ROUGE 2018NZ$25.99 Per item -
Sourced from the warm and sunny Vaucluse region of the South of France, renowned for making crisp, delicious rose for a bargain price. Gorgeous pale salmon colour, with an equally pretty nose of strawberries and cream. Exceptionally well made, crisp, ... Learn MoreA L'OMBRE DES PARASOLS VAUCLUSE ROSE 2019NZ$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A stunning United Cellars exclusive. Intense apricot, peach and rose, with hints of ginger spice. Strong and generous on the palate with a smooth and fruity finish. 'Best Co-operative Producer' - France's leading wine magazine. ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' VIOGNIER 2019NZ$26.99 Per item -
A stunning United Cellars exclusive, from the sun-drenched Languedoc. A great summertime sipper, lingering pleasantly on the palate. A delicate, pretty nose, deliciously scented with notes of red fruits combined with more floral aromas like apple and orange blossom. 'Best ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' ROSE 2019NZ$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A stunning United Cellars exclusive, similar to a well made Mâcon. Lively, fresh & well-rounded Chardonnay from the Languedoc. Aromatics of honey, freshly squeezed grapefruit, stone fruits & hints of toast. 'Best Co-operative Producer' - France's leading wine magazine. ... Learn MoreLE VERSANT 'VIN DE PAYS D'OC' CHARDONNAY 2019NZ$26.99 Per item -
Veuve Ambal specialises in sparkling wine from the Burgundy region in France. Founded in the heart of Burgundy in 1898 & sourced from 40+ year old vineyard blocks. The nose is fine and delicate in style, with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle. The ... Learn MoreVEUVE AMBAL VIN MOUSSEAUX BLANC DE BLANC NVNZ$26.99 Per item -
A rich Languedoc Syrah from Chateau La Bastide, built in 1770. Deliciously concentrated flavours from old vines that makes for a consistently excellent wine. Packed with ripe fruit aromas, this wine does not hold back! Juicy, with aromas of blackberries, black ... Learn MoreDOMAINE LA BASTIDE SYRAH 2016NZ$27.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The perfect pale salmon colour, coming from the blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and a splash of Ugni Blanc. Made from the prestigious subregion of Maures - the southern-most tip of the gulf of St Tropez. An attractive nose of ... Learn MoreOut of stock -
Made by Philippe Cambie, former winemaker at Chateau Rayas. Sourced entirely from a vineyard that borders the esteemed Chateauneuf du Pape region. A brooding nose of dry herbs and dusty, chalky earth. The palate has a great mix of plush ... Learn MoreDOMAINE LES CASSANETS COTES DU RHONE 2019NZ$29.99 Per item -
Crisp, fresh and fruity, Jovly Vouvray is a modern white wine, with a pale yellow colour and a floral bouquet. Made purely from Chenin Blanc, this Loire white is off-dry, well balanced and versatile. Bright aromatics of white blossoms & summer ... Learn MoreJOVLY VOUVRAY 2019NZ$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"One of safest, most reliable Cotes du Rhone cuvees coming from this large cooperative south of Avignon"- Robert Parker. Full, fragrant aromas of smoky cassis & blackberries, with hints of dried orange peel & sweet spice. The palate is plush & full ... Learn More -
Single vineyard, 50+ year old vines, hand picked from extremely steep, high altitude limestone terraces above the village of Séguret. Instantly appealing, with typically opulent fruit flavours of Grenache & a streak of savoury Syrah at its core. Waves of luscious, ... Learn MoreBOUTINOT "LES COTEAUX SCHISTEUX" SEGURET 2015NZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Produced by one of the top family owned & operated estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. A classic Grenache dominant southern Rhone blend, with notes of lavender, exotic herbs, pepper, and sweet dark fruits. A warm, savoury nose & an opulent palate showcasing the estate’ ... Learn MoreDOMAINE DU PEGAU COTES DU RHONE MACLURA 2016NZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Great value bubbles, exclusively imported by United Cellars. A fine & delicatly styled Blanc de blanc, made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Burgundy. Delicious lemon, apricot & apple flavours- a sell out every year! ... Learn MoreHENRI ROUSSEAU BdB CHARDONNAY BRUT NVNZ$34.99 Per item -
A beautifully balanced Champagne, offering up bright citrus aromas, toasty brioche and lingering green apple notes. Family owned & operated for the past 135 years, in the heart of the Cotes de Blancs area. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir. ... Learn MoreALBERT LE BRUN CHAMPAGNE CUVEE RESERVE BRUT NVSpecial Price NZ$41.00 Per item Regular Price NZ$54.99 Per item -
An organic & well structured Premier Cru, that has gained an international cult following. The wine (100% Chardonnay) is fermented and aged in oak barrels for 18 months, in the Domaine's ancient cellars and then bottled after only a light filtration. Balanced yet ... Learn MoreDOMAINE JAEGER DEFAIX RULLY 1ER CRU 'LES CLOUX' 2012NZ$43.99 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 CHABLIS A.O.C. 2018NZ$49.99 Per item -
Not your average Bourgogne Blanc- sourced from a tiny 3 hectare plot adjacent to Puligny Montrachet. Made by Romaric Chavy, one of the up & coming young producers of the Cote. Sourced from 40 year old vines & matured for 10 months in 10% new French ... Learn MoreDomaine Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc 'Les Femelottes' 2017NZ$49.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A perfect expression of this terroir. 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, dense, ... Learn MoreDOMAINE LES ALEXANDRINS CROZES HERMITAGE 2016NZ$54.99 Per itemOut of stock -
If you like your Champagne dry & clean with great fruity notes, this is the one! Since 1770, the Orban family has been growing grapes in Troissy, a region renowned for its Pinot Meunier. The wine has a fine mousse and supple ... Learn MoreORBAN CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE NOIR BRUT NVNZ$56.99 Per item -
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! One of the finest Grower Champagnes on the market, crafting luxury Champagne for more ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER 1ER CRU BRUT NVNZ$64.99 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 PREMIER CRU 'LES FOURNEAUX' 2018NZ$69.99 Per item -
Le Petit Calon is produced from the land of Château Calon Ségur, third growth of Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé. The team uses the fruit from its youngest vines to craft a more fruit-forward, earlier-drinking, Merlot-driven style of Bordeaux ... Learn MoreCHATEAU CALON-SEGUR "LE PETIT CALON" ST ESTEPHE 2017NZ$69.99 Per item -
Made from 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meuneir & 20% Chardonnay from Premier Cru vineyards, and aged for two years in bottle before release. Deep aromas of fresh fruits and hint of nuts. The taste is full bodied and rich with fruit though elegant ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE AUTREAU BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE NVNZ$69.99 Per item -
A fresh and attractive nose offers up notes of both red and dark berry fruit scents that exhibit a background note of violets. The delicious, round and seductively textured flavors possess a fleshy mouth feel that beautifully complements the balanced, ... Learn MoreDENIS BACHELET BOURGOGNE ROUGE 2015NZ$76.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Consistently, classy, light & fresh, celebrating the purity of Cuis. 100% Chardonnay from five different harvests, blended in a subtle but classic "Pierre Gimonnet" style. Low dosage and aged in bottle for up to 30 months before release. "One of the most pristine ... Learn MorePIERRE GIMONNET ET FILS CUVEE CUIS 1ER CRU NVNZ$76.99 Per item -
100% Grand Cru fruit. Pinot Noir & Chardonnay blend. The nose is a combination of ripe citrus fruits with a buttery overtone and flowery finish. The flavours are fresh and vibrant, of peaches, melons and raspberry with light hazelnut nuance adding depth ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE AUTREAU GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE NVNZ$79.99 Per item -
**THIS ONLINE TASTING IS OVER**
Join our Master of Wine, Alistair Cooper, live from the UK, who will be hosting our series of online, interactive tastings during the COVID-19 lockdown. This pack contains a bottle ... Learn More
VIRTUAL TASTING PACK - FRANCENZ$82.00Out of stock -
A bold Châteauneuf du Pape, with all the classical expressions of the region at an unbelievable price. Traditionally hand harvested, using certified organic processes. Captivating aromas of ripe black fruit such as blackberry, cherry and spice. Established in the ... Learn MoreALAIN JAUME CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 'LE MIOCENE' 2018NZ$84.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The 2016 Petit Cantenac is a blend of 90% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 30% new oak. It has a concentrated nose of blackberry, truffle and fig, the Cabernet Franc imparting a light peppery note. The palate is structured ... Learn MorePETIT CANTENAC ST EMILION GRAND CRU 2016NZ$84.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Made by Romaric Chavy, one of the up and coming young producers of the Cote d'Or. This is sourced from a tiny (only 0.9 hectares!) Monopole that Romaric's family owns. Sourced from 65 year old vines & matured for 10 months in 40% new French ... Learn MoreDOMAINE CHAVY-CHOUET MEURSAULT CLOS DES CORVEES 2017NZ$84.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A true expression of the finest Chardonnay with a touch of the finest Grand Cru Pinot Noir. Crafted by the Champagne house that has been renowned for generations for the quality of the Blanc de Blancs. "The ultimate aperitif Rose" ... Learn MorePIERRE GIMONNET ET FILS ROSE DE BLANCS NVNZ$94.99 Per item -
The trump card of this luxury Champagne House, who have been crafting artisinal bubbles for more than two centuries. A pure expression of 100% Pinot Noir from Urville & exclusive to United Cellars. Low sulphites, zero dosage & unfiltered to preserve as much ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER ROSE BRUT NATURE NVNZ$94.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Decanter Wine Awards No.1 Bordeaux! The vineyards of Château Queyron Pindefleurs are located at the foot of the southern hillsides of the medieval city of Saint-Emilion. Since 1937 the Fillon family has cultivated this exceptional terroir with passion and pride ... Learn MoreCHATEAU QUEYRON PINDEFLEURS ST-EMILION 2016NZ$99.99 Per itemOut of stock -
100% Grand Cru fruit from the villages of Chouilly and Ay. Only produced in exceptional years, of which 2013 was most definitely one. Chardonnay dominant, showing gorgeous white flowers, green apple and sweet caramel popcorn. A small percent of Pinot Noir adds ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE AUTREAU BRUT RESERVE GRAND CRU VINTAGE 2013NZ$99.99 Per itemOut of stock
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