French wine is well known throughout the world and along with Italy is one of the biggest wine producers in the world. France has a large tradition of wine making and many of its practices have been replicated throughout the world. Many grape varieties that originated in France have also been used throughout the world in modern times.
Terroir
The concept of Terroir is important in France. This concept refers to the belief that the combination of natural factors of a specific location produces differences in the taste of a particular wine. This is based on the fact that different areas have different conditions. Soil content varies between areas; soil with increased minerals may lead to a wine with a different taste. Microclimates, the slope of the hill and many other factors are also reported to have an impact on the taste. This means that even if the same variety is grown using identical wine making techniques, the wine will taste significantly different. Terroir has been contested greatly in recent years, however, the French law still endorses it and many people believe in the concept.
Classification System
Many strict laws have been passed in France in regard to its wine. France was one of the first countries to pass laws of this kind. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system ensures that the quality of French wine and many wine classification systems in other countries are based around this model. There are four different categories of wine under this system. Vin de Table translates as Table Wine this has relatively few criteria. The next classification is Vin de Pays, this wine must have come from a specific region in France. The wine has to be analysed and tasted in order to ensure its quality. The varieties and blends are more restricted than the Table Wine category. Vin Délimité de Qualité Superieure is a classification of French wine that comes under the EUs ‘Quality Wine Produced in a Specific Region’ category. It assures the customer that the wine is of a high quality. It is often used as an intermediary point when trying to reach the high status of the next classification. Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée is the highest classification for French wine. It has to meet strict criteria in order to gain this recognition. It has to be from certain specified grape varieties and must belong to a very specific region of France. It should also be produced according to strict wine making methods. The large majority of wines meeting this criteria are French red wines.
Varieties of Red Wine and Regions
The dominant red wine region in France is, unsurprisingly, Bordeaux. Red wine accounts for nearly 80% of all wine produced in this area. This region produces many different wines from basic every day table wines to some of the best, most expensive, red wines in the world. Similarly, some wine produced is sold internationally whilst others are predominantly for local use. Another region that produces famous French red wines is Burgundy. Burgundy is divided into many different wine districts due to the diversity of its soils. Its red wines are generally of a velvety texture and have a full body. There are also other regions that produce red wine in much smaller quantities.
The grape varieties typically used in producing French red wine are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular grape throughout the world and is one of the most commonly planted in France. The grape originated in the region of Bordeaux and is often blended with other varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively easy to grow and is resistant to some harsh conditions such as frost and also rot. It can also be barrelled in oak, which makes it a popular option for wine makers.
Merlot is the one of most popular red wine grape varieties in the world and is the most planted grape variety in France. It originated in France and has been noted as early as 1784. Merlot is a soft grape with a rich colour that ripens early. Another variety that is often used for producing French red wine is Cabernet Franc. This is easily grown in most types of soil. This grape is often blended particularly in the Bordeaux region. However, you can purchase red wine produced entirely from the Cabernet Franc grape in regions such as the Loire Valley and Chinon.
French red wine is extremely popular and has an excellent reputation throughout the world. Most French red wine is produced in the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions. Grape varieties are generally blended, particularly in the Bordeaux region. France has a strict classification system to ensure the superb quality of many of its wines.
