Discovering the 9 Classic French Wine Regions

Alsace

Lying between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine, this north- eastern region of France is the heartland of opulent, single-varietal white wines. Made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner or Muscat, they cover the spectrum from dry to sweet.

Examples: Maison Trimbach (Riesling), Famille Hugel (Gewurztraminer), Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Weinbach, Domaine Marcel Deiss

Beaujolais

Gamay is the beloved grape of the Beaujolais region, just to the south of Burgundy, making fruity, unpretentious reds with bright acidity and low tannins – so easy to match with food. More serious versions come from the ten named crus in the northern hills.

Examples: Château Thivin (Côte de Brouilly), Domaine du Vissoux (Fleurie), Domaine Jean Foillard, Domaine Marcel Lapierre

Bordeaux

France’s largest wine region is home to the most renowned (and imitated) red blends on the planet. Cabernet Sauvignon stars on the Left Bank of the Garonne River, Merlot on the Right. Local whites include superb sweet Barsac and Sauternes.

Examples: Château Margaux, Château Pétrus, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château d'Yquem (Sauternes)

Burgundy

Every square inch of Burgundy’s vineyards (and 400 types of soil) has been judged and assessed for more than 600 years – no wonder this is the birthplace of the concept of terroir. It’s also the home of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, here made into wines that set standards for the world.

Examples: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Joseph Drouhin (Montrachet), Clos de Vougeot, Domaine Leflaive

Champagne

The chilly chalk hills of Champagne are ideally suited to making sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (whether performing solo or together). The age-old process is long and laborious but the results are divine.

Examples: Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Bollinger, Ruinart

Languedoc

Modern wine-growers delight in experimentation in the great southern region, where vines luxuriate in the hot, bright Mediterranean sun. Ripeness is a given; the goal is to find an accompanying finesse and a true expression of place.

Examples: Gérard Bertrand (Cigalus), Mas de Daumas Gassac, Domaine de la Grange des Pères, Domaine d'Aupilhac

Loire Valley

Winding from Auvergne through “the Garden of France” all the way to the Atlantic, the Loire passes many historic winelands where Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadet reign supreme. Cabernet Franc gives deliciously light, tangy reds.

Examples: Domaine Huet (Vouvray), Domaine Vacheron (Sancerre), Château de Chambord, Domaine des Roches Neuves

Provence

France’s oldest wine region (2,600 years and counting) is also the only one to specialize in rosé – pastel- coloured, dry, refreshing wines with a streak of minerality that perfectly suit the sun-soaked, laid- back Provençal life-style.

Examples: Château d'Esclans (Whispering Angel), Domaine Tempier (Bandol Rosé), Château de Berne, Domaine Ott, Miraval

Rhône Valley

Syrah and Viognier are king and queen of the northern valley, but 95 percent of Rhône wine comes from the south, where Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre revel in the Mediterranean climate. Blending creates rich, hearty reds and robust whites and rosés.

Examples: E. Guigal (Côte-Rôtie), Château de Beaucastel (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Château Rayas

Food & Drink Canada - Autumn 2022