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, Malbec), 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. Click here for our Bordeaux FAQs, the benefits of buying En Primeur or find out about how the wines from Burgundy are classified.
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, Malbec), 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. Click here for our Bordeaux FAQs, the benefits of buying En Primeur or find out about how the wines from Burgundy are classified.
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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$19.99 Per item -
An absolute steal of a Burgundian sparkling wine! Hand-crafted and prepared similar to a fine "growers champagne". Dry, with bright white fruit and brioche flavours, with a lingering finish. ... Learn MoreANDRE DELORME BLANC DE BLANCS 'BRUT RESERVE' NVNZ$19.99 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 2018NZ$22.99 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 2018NZ$22.99 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$23.99 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 bouquet shows inviting notes of red fruits and florals with some biscuity complexity. The ... Learn MoreVEUVE AMBAL VIN MOUSSEAUX ROSE NVNZ$23.99 Per item -
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 item -
#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 item -
Made from what is hailed as the greatest region in the world for aromatic whites, this is a carefully tended Pinot Gris made with traditional, minimal intervention methods. Lifted notes of Williams pear meld into a more general fruit note ... Learn MoreJOSEPH CATTIN PINOT GRIS 2015NZ$25.99 Per item -
Established over 250 years ago, the Lorentz family cultivate their passion for wine in the small, medieval town of Bergheim, in the very heart of the Alsace wine-growing region. Just off-dry on the palate, with classical Alsatian notes of nougat, poached ... Learn MoreGUSTAVE LORENTZ PINOT GRIS RESERVE 2015NZ$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 -
Made purely from Chenin Blanc from its spiritual home in Vouvray, this Loire white is produced in the time honoured, refreshing, off dry style. Crisp, lemonade & summer fruit aromas with irresistible, mouthwatering layers of delicately honeyed fruit. Unquestionably a classic ... Learn MoreDOMAINE CROIX DE MAUNAY VOUVRAY 2015NZ$28.99 Per item -
Established 250 years ago, the Lorentz family cultivate their passion for wine in the small, mediaeval town of Bergheim, in the very heart of the Alsace wine-growing region. Made in the traditional method of Champagne but with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Elegantly ... Learn MoreGUSTAVE LORENTZ CREMANT D'ALSACE ROSE NVNZ$28.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A juicy, satisfying French red with attractive fruit and creamy oak. This bright, light-medium bodied Burgundy is made up of 95% Gamay & 5% Pinot Noir. Appealing red berry & spiced apple flavours, with hints of creamy milk chocolate & fine tannins. ... Learn MoreDOMAINE MATHIEU PAQUET COTEAUX BOURGUIGNONS 2016NZ$29.99 Per item -
Some of the best value Burgundy, sourced from the villages of Corgoloin and Comblanchien, made in the same way as the more prestigious appellations. Fresh & fruity, with lively flavours of cranberry, spiced apple & briar rose. Supple, well-rounded tannins, light bodied & ... Learn MoreGACHOT MONOT BOURGOGNE 2014NZ$32.99 Per item -
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 item -
A crisp & dry sparkling from the internationally recognized specialists of Crémants de Bourgogne. Creamy with fine and persistent bubbles on the palate, showing delicate flavours of baked bread, apricot, peach and pear. Made in the traditional Champagne method & aged ... Learn MoreANDRE DELORME METHODE TRADITIONELLE BLANC DE BLANCS NVNZ$34.99 Per item -
Created by 11th generation Denis Alary, named “one of the stars of the Cotes-du-Rhone Village of Cairanne” by the Wine Advocate. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan with no new oak used. Impeccably balanced combination of dense, ripe fruit, ... Learn MoreDOMAINE ALARY CAIRANNE 2016NZ$39.99 Per item -
Family owned since 1920 & operated by a top sommelier, in the Rhone's newest Cru. A traditional Southern Rhone red that blends Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre in a full-bodied ensemble, packed with blackberry, raspberry & licorice spice. "Consistently one of my favourite ... Learn MoreDomaine des Grands Bois Cuvee Maximilien Cairanne 2016NZ$39.99 Per item -
"A long and satisfying sparkler." Bob Campbell MW. An expressive citrus & mineral nose, with fresh, invigorating white fruit flavours. As good as many a Champagne, but with a much friendlier price tag. ... Learn More -
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 item -
Produced mostly from Mourvèdre but with 25% Grenache,Cinsault and Carignan the Bandol Rouge 2014 has an attractive deep colour with a graceful, open nose that displays blackberry, spice, bay leaves and pepper. The wild side of Mourvèdre is on ... Learn MoreDOMAINE TOUR DU BON BANDOL ROUGE 2014NZ$45.99 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 item -
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$49.99 Per item -
95/100 Robert Parker & comparable to historic vintages like 2007, 2001 and 1990. Created by 11th generation Denis Alary, named “one of the stars of the Cotes-du-Rhone Village of Cairanne” by the Wine Advocate. 50% Grenache & 50% Syrah from the newest Cru in the Southern Rhone. A ... Learn MoreDomaine Alary Cairanne L'Estevenas 2016NZ$60.00 Per item -
Moët Impérial is the House’s iconic champagne. Created in 1869, it embodies Moët & Chandon’s unique style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. Broad and stylish, with a creamy ... Learn MoreMOET & CHANDON IMPERIAL NV WITH GIFT BOXNZ$64.99 Per item -
One of the finest Grower Champagnes on the market, crafting luxury Champagne for more than two centuries. 100% family owned, artisanal bubbles, established in 1808. Low in sulfites & vegan friendly, sourced only from Premier & Grand Cru vineyards. firm, intense flavours of biscotti, ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER 1ER CRU BRUT NVNZ$64.99 Per item -
Unquestionably a Loire classic that's practically impossible to put down. 100% Chenin Blanc from its spiritual home in Vouvray. Produced in the time honoured, refreshing, off dry style. Layers of mouth watering, natural sweetness of crisp apple, grapefruit, white peach and ... Learn MoreCHATEAU DE CHAMIREY MERCUREY BLANC 2014NZ$69.99 Per item -
The signature wine of an elite Champagne House, producing wine for over 80 years. An exclusive United Cellars import, with stunning freshness & balance. 100% Grand Cru fruit with more than 36 months on lees. Fresh, pure flavours of apple, apricot, tropical fruit & honey ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE JACQUINOT 'PRIVATE CUVEE' NVNZ$74.99 Per item -
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$84.99 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 item -
100% organic Cognac with incredible balance, after having created Cognac since 1730. Aged for 7 years on oak & double distilled in copper stills, creating a bright gold hue. Pure, smooth, gently warming flavours of ripe apricot, dried fig, cedar oak & creme brulee. ... Learn MoreDOMAINE PASQUET L'ORGANIC 07 COGNACNZ$105.00 Per item -
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$105.00 Per item -
100% Oger Grand Cru Chardonnay old vine fruit from Terres de Noël, Fondy and Champs Nérons. The Gimonnet family has been working the vineyards of Champage since 1650. 30 months bottle ageing before disgorgement creates a premium, suductively easy drinking Champagne ... Learn MorePIERRE GIMONNET ET FILS OGER GRAND CRU NVNZ$105.00 Per item -
Made by Romaric Chavy, one of the up and coming young producers of the Cote d'Or. Sourced from a tiny 1 hectare plot in Puligny Montrachet, known the world over for exceptional Chardonnay. Sourced from 60 year old vines & matured for 10 months ... Learn MoreDomaine Chavy Chouet Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseigneres 2017NZ$110.00 Per item -
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$110.00 Per item -
Extremely rare, small parcel Gevrey-Chambertin of amazing elegance & finesse. From what is being claimed as "the vintage of a lifetime" this wine is a perfect combination of fruit, structure & sensuality. Endlessly smooth, soft & complex with easily 10-20 years of cellaring. ... Learn MoreDOMAINE THOMSON GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN "LES EVOCELLES" 2015NZ$114.99 Per item -
A single vineyard, premium vintage Champagne House, with low sulphites & unfiltered to preserve as much freshness as possible. On the palate it is invigorating, imposing and it teases the taste buds. The bead caresses and balances wild strawberry jam with ... Learn MoreCHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER GRANDE SENDREE 2008NZ$124.99 Per itemOut of stock -
An inky & concentrated St Emillion Grand Cru, made up predominantly of Merlot. Rich, red fruit aromatics almost outshine softer notes of vanilla & leather, leaving a stunning balance of fruit, spice & tannin on the palate. An opulent wine, with every evolving ... Learn MoreCHATEAU BELLEVUE 2011NZ$139.00 Per item -
The best of the best! Single vintage, single vineyard Cote de Blancs Champagne from ancient 100+ year old vines- the equivalent of of a Prestige Cuvée. Rich, creamy, utterly sensuous and deep with notes of lemon rind, apples, marzipan, freshly ... Learn MorePIERRE GIMONNET ET FILS SPECIAL CLUB 2012NZ$149.99 Per itemOut of stock
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