France

France is the second-largest wine producer in Europe and has seven main wine producing areas: Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and Rhone. French wines are very diverse due to the huge differences in "terroir" and grape varieties and the various regional wine-growing cultures. France produces some of the best and most famous wines in the world.

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Alsace

Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, the Alsatian wines offer a fascinating blend of German and French cultural and gastronomic traditions. The white wines produced here are among the finest in France, including the great Rieslings, Gewürztraminers and Pinot Gris.

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Burgundy

To understand the complexity and nuances of "terroir" one must visit Burgundy, one of France's most prestigious wine regions. As you explore the world-famous Côte d'Or, you'll discover the subtle play between land, sun and vine that brings out the most noble and various expressions of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Burgundy is also one of the most beautiful and historically important regions of France, and you'll experience its rich cultural heritage at, for example the Hôtel Dieu (Hospices de Beaune), the Renaissance hospital famous for its yearly wine auction.

www.burgundy-tourism.com

Bordeaux

Here is one of the most renowned wine regions of the world. The traditional blend of grape varieties is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This is the home of the world famous names of Pomerol, St-Emilion, Pauillac, Graves, Sauternes, St-Estèphe, Margaux. There are others that are less well known but here is also very good quality to be had at a fraction of the price.

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Languedoc-Roussillon

The biggest continuous wine-producing area in the world between Nimes and the spanish border near Perpignan facing the Mediterranean. Mostly reds, traditionally made from the Carignan grape, which, although declining, still represents 25% of all vines planted. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut and Merlot are the other major red grape varieties. There are also some very interesting whites. This area represents very good value with increasing quality from increasingly innovative winemakers.

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Provence

This beautiful region in the south-east is very much Mediterranean in feel. According to most historians, here is where wine cultivation in France started in the 6th century BC. A speciality of the region is rosé and it is also world famous for its Bandol wines.

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Côte du Rhône

200km from north (Vienne) to south (Nimes), the two areas of the valley are very different viticultural areas. In the north, reds are from Syrah and whites from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier with a much wider range of grape varieties in the south. The southern Côte du Rhône is famous for Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the north for Côte Rotie and Hermitage.

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Loire

Extends 350 km from west (Nantes to the Atlantic Coast) to east. Great variety of climate and therefore of wine types. Great whites from the Chenin grape, and luscious, fruity reds from Cabernet Franc.

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So, pick and choose and let us know what corresponds best to your personal taste!!