French Wine

Guide Note

Wine has been produced in France for thousands of years, and the French are the origin for some of the world's most prized grapes, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Though several French grapes can be grown elsewhere and marketed as wines of French origin, several varieties are "origin controlled" and must come from a specific region to be considered true "terroir wines." For example, Champagne must come from the Champagne region in France to be labeled as such.

Fast Facts

1. Popular Regions: Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Champagne, Burgundy
2. 6th Century BC: Wine first produced in France
3. Though overall wine consumption is down in France, Champagne consumption has risen
4. Widespread exports began in the mid-19th century

1. Alsace - On the border with Germany, the Alsace region is notable for its white wines. Many of these have sharp, spicy flavors due to the aromatic nature of the region's grapes.
2. Bordeaux - This region produces over 700 million bottles of wine every year, the majority of them red. Many basic red Bordeaux are popular exports to the United States.
3. Burgundy - The eastern region of Burgundy produces famous Pinot Noir and is heartily rooted in the "terroir" culture. Some of the world's most expensive wines come from here.
4. Provence - This region is southeastern France is notable for its Rose wines, with dry varieties more prominent than sweet and fruity tastes.