France

France is a wine-producing country.

The signature grape is Merlot, backed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The ground underneath is clay, granite and limestone.

The climate is varied, running mediterranean.

The vineyards themselves read as riverside and valley floor.

Red wine, white wine and rosé wine, plus two more is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows full-bodied with rich tannins, earthy and complex, fresh and fruity and perfect for warm weather, plus one more.

Labels here fall under the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), the Grand Cru and the Premier Cru.

Inside it sit Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône and Loire.

Names to look for on a shelf: Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

At the table these bottles work with beef & venison, white fish, chilis & hot spicy food and tomato-based dishes.

Serve at 16 to 18°C.

In the glass.

Red: Full-bodied with rich tannins, Earthy and complex.

Rosé: Fresh and fruity, Perfect for warm weather.

Sparkling: From chardonnay and pinot noir.

Grapes planted here.

Classifications.

• AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)
• Grand Cru
• Premier Cru

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion, France
• Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, France
• Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, France
• Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien, France
• Chateau Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France
• Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France
• Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, France
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, France

At the table.

• Beef & Venison
• White Fish
• Chilis & Hot Spicy Food
• Tomato-based Dishes
• Blue Cheeses
• Chocolate & Caramel

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at 16 to 18°C.

Inside the region.

Nearby regions.

France: common questions

More from here: every wine region in France.