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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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 -
Gold Medal winner at Gilbert & Gaillard. An absolute bargain Merlot dominant Bordeaux, classically made, yet maintaining incredible freshness. Notes of red fruit, dark berries, Black Doris plum & smoky undertones. A fresh and fruity palate, round and with silky tannins. ... Learn MoreChateau Seguineau Bordeaux Rouge 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 -
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 2020NZ$26.99 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 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 -
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 2020NZ$29.99 Per item -
Vinous: "A pleasant, easy-going red...Raspberry, red cherry and expressive floral notes give the wine brightness and lift." Château Laubès represents a wine of exceptional quality from the Entre-Deux-Mers. The nose is complex with flowery, spicy and fruity ... Learn MoreChateau Laubes Bordeaux Rouge 2016NZ$29.99 Per item -
Fleur d’Eglantine gets its name from luminous colour & delicious aroma, reminiscent of the petals of the wild roses that surround its vineyards. It’s a delicate rosé which unites floral aromas and crunchy red berries, created from a blend ... Learn MoreMourgues du Gres Fleur d'Eglantine Rose 2019NZ$29.99 Per item -
Grown on the rocky hillsides of the Loire Valley, with over 50 ha of vineyards and 30+ year old vines. Aged in 85% glass tanks and a mixture of new and one year old French oak barrels. A particularly expressive nose dominated by ... Learn MoreDomaine De La Ragotiere Chardonnay Cuvee Prestige 2019NZ$29.99 Per item -
Gold Medal winner at Gilbert & Gaillard. A traditionally made Bordeaux Superieur that over delivers for the price. Fruit forward aromas of ripe cassis, cherry & sloe berry aromas are followed with smoky, spicy undercurrents. A bold, mouth-filling palate with silky tannins & ... Learn MoreChateau Seguineau Bordeaux Superieur Rouge 2018NZ$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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. Juicy fruit flavours together with creamy mouthfeel and refreshing acidity, ... Learn MoreLe Versant 'Vin De Pays D'Oc' Chardonnay 2019NZ$29.99 Per item -
Chateau de La Riviere is one of the older estates in the Fronsac appellation. The history of the property can be dated back all the way back to 769, when the Emperor Charlemagne ordered that a fort be constructed on the ... Learn MoreChateau De La Riviere Fronsac 2020NZ$31.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Some of the most pristine and complex Chenin Blanc in the Loire, with slightly mineral terrior similar to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Both the nose and the palate continue to develop complexity after being opened. A mix of fresh citrus, Granny ... Learn MoreDomaine Du Margalleau Vouvray 2018NZ$32.00 Per item -
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 2020NZ$34.99 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 MoreDomaine La Montagnette Cotes Du Rhone Villages Signargues 2019NZ$34.99 Per itemOut 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$34.99 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 MoreDomaine La Montagnette Cotes Du Rhone Villages Signargues 2018NZ$34.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
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 -
Louis Moreau's Petit Chablis is a fresh and very aromatic wine. The aroma is a dynamic blend of grapefruit, citrus & apple notes with a touch of minerality & white flowers. The palate is lively and light, with juicy stone fruit balanced ... Learn MoreLouis Moreau Petit Chablis A.O.C. 2019NZ$38.99 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 -
An exuberant wine created by “Bordeaux Right Bank’s Quiet Magician”. Highly aromatic wild berry fruits & sour cherry notes roll into a polished & precise palate. Stylish black cherry, mulberry, chocolate & charcoal notes with hints of spiciness & minerality. Merlot 80%, Cabernet Franc 12%, ... Learn MoreChateau Tour Du Moulin Fronsac 2018NZ$44.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
"Beautiful transparency and depth of fruit."- James Suckling. Chateau Dalem has been the property of the Ruiller family since 1955 when it was acquired by Michel Ruiller, but the origin dates back to 1610, making it one of the oldest Chateaux ... Learn MoreChateau Dalem Fronsac 2020NZ$53.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide: Best of 2020. Perfectly fresh green & yellow apple, joining zesty lemon hints on this wine’s appetizing nose. The palate carries that same full but fresh fruitiness, with trademark minerality & a touch of nutty complexity. Bold citrus ... Learn MoreLouis Moreau Chablis A.O.C. 2019NZ$54.99 Per item -
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 -
Chateau Olivier is in contention for one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux. Bordeaux wine historians believe the estate dates back as far as the 11th century. The wine is deep in colour, which makes it impossible to miss. Offering ... Learn MoreChateau Olivier Pessac Leognan Rouge 2020NZ$59.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The wine Château Taillefer is a Red wine produced in the Bordeaux region in France, by Château Taillefer. The bouquet is very rich and complex with notes of black and red fruits. Elegant, fresh, bright, clean and pure, ... Learn MoreChateau Taillefer Pomerol 2020NZ$59.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Château de Camensac has taken centre-stage at Haut-Médoc since the 18th century. The aromatic bouquet expresses all of the complexity and harmony between notes of graphite and spice. Aromas of mocha combine wonderfully with fresh rose and blackberry, ... Learn MoreChateau De Camensac Haut-Médoc 2020NZ$60.98 Per itemOut of stock -
Cos Labory wines combine power and elegance, they have the typical structure of Saint-Estèphe. The wine is medium/full-bodied with an already delicious blast of blackberry, Asian spice and currants in the nose and palate. The taste of the ... Learn MoreChateau Cos Labory Saint Estephe 2020NZ$64.99 Per itemOut of stock -
An excellent wine, walking the line of power and sappy juice. - Jane Anson. Thierry Valette settled in 2000 in Castillon, on a clayey plateau of limestone with asteria overhanging the Dordogne valley at an altitude of 100m, benefiting from beautiful ... Learn MoreClos Puy Arnaud 2020NZ$64.99 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! One of the finest Grower Champagnes on the market, crafting luxury Champagne for more ... Learn MoreChampagne Drappier 1er Cru Brut NvNZ$64.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Château Croizet-Bages, a 5th Classified Growth of Pauillac, was founded in the 17th century. This 27-hectare vineyard on the left bank of Bordeaux is situated on the Bages plateau. Floral aromas of Tobacco, cedar, flowers, mint and creme de ... Learn MoreChateau Croizet Bages Pauillac 2020NZ$68.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Deep, dark in colour with its purple accents around the edges, the wine is sexy, silky, opulent and concentrated. Aromas of succulent dark fruit and a hint of spices. There is a fabulous depth of flavor, velvet textured tannins and ... Learn MoreChateau Maillet Pomerol 2020NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
An aromatic bouquet of stone fruit & floral notes like acacia and rose petals, combined with light vanilla aromas. Full & round on the palate, with a beautiful balance of lemon lime, flint & nutty complexity. ... Learn MoreLouis Moreau Chablis Premier Cru 'Les Fourneaux' 2018NZ$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 itemOut of stock -
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
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