France

Whilst nowadays challenged by many other wine-producing nations, France is one of the world's most revered wine producers, with a climate and landscape perfect for the creation of a variety of wines which represent quality and subtlety.

Over a quarter of the world's wine is produced in France - and, whilst it has traditionally been seen as a nation which often produces more sophisticated wine which will benefit from ageing,

France is increasingly making wines which have the same full-bodied, fruity taste as those of the New World, particularly the up and coming Vin de Pays which are ideal for immediate drinking.

Grape Expectations
French grapes have influenced wine-makers throughout the world, and wherever you travel, you'll find reminders of a French heritage in grape names like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir , Syrah and Merlot. To the French, the secret of these great grape varieties lies in the soil, whose individual and unique characteristics throughout France give each grape its own unique qualities.

The concept of highly individual local soil conditions is known as 'terroir', and such matters are discussed with reverence and respect by lovers of French wine everywhere!

In a league of their own
Legislation exists to classify wines into different levels of quality, so look out for the following, in increasing order of superiority:

• Vin de table - simple wine made for casual drinking
• Vin de pays - good, sometimes great, quality 'country wines', usually labelled with the grape variety from which they are made.
• Appellation Controlée - wines made under strict regulations from carefully delimited areas, including such famous French wines as Bordeaux, Cotes du Rhone and Muscadet.

A Whirlwind Tour
As a general geographical guide to French wines, the following will provide a useful summary:

• Champagne (north) - in the Reims and Epernay region, the chalky soil produces thin, acid white wine perfect for the production of Champagne which is exclusive to this area.
• Alsace (east, bordering on Germany) - spicy, perfumed dry white wines and sweet wines.
• Burgundy - (west of Alsace) - produces Chablis (white), Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Beaujolais (red)
• The South - includes the Rhone Valley and the Langeudoc Roussillon, source of much of the best quality Vin de Pays.
• Bordeaux (west) - the red wine capital of the world! There are great white wines as well (Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves) and unforgettable sweet wines from Sauternes and Barsac.