France Wine

Saint-Emilion is the oldest wine area of the Bordeaux region.
The UNESCO organization recognized the great terroir of Saint Emilion and put the site on the World Heritage List (see Dec 2, 1999 report). Saint Emilion wines are considered the most robust of the Bordeaux. They are generous, very colored, and reach their maturity quicker than other red Bordeaux. The classification in St-Emilion is complex. Do not confuse St.Emilion-Grand-Cru and St.-Emilion-Grand-Cru-Class fewer and much better. Here is the list of Saint-Emilion Great Growths. Saint Emilion wine information :
Appellation:
Saint Emilion Grand Cru Class Appellation Saint Emilion Grand Cru Controle Appellation Saint Emilion Controle Dordogne valley Saint Emilion and 8 villages around Limestone Clayey-limestone Gravels (in Cheval Blanc) 5,500 ha (13,600 acres) 36 million bottles
Only red wine
Location: Places:
Soil:
Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wine:
Merlot, Cabernet Franc Full-body red wine
Best age for a Saint Emilion Wine: Vintages:

(recommended)
Saint-Emilion AOC: 3 to 8 years Saint-Emilion Grand Cru: 5 to 12 years Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Class: 15 to 25 years and more
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1982 Truffles Toasted bread Cooked red fruits Mushrooms Bird game Salmon Sauerkraut Spare ribs Roasted lamb Cantal Comt Ossau-Iraty Reblochon Tomme de Savoie
Aromas:
Saint Emilion and Food:
Saint Emilion and Cheese:
This recent appellation is rising. Ctes de Castillon gives an excellent price/quality ratio as new wine makers are settling down to make among the most interesting wines in the Bordeaux region today. All wines from Ctes de Castillon may also carry the regional appellations of "Bordeaux" or "Bordeaux suprieur".
Ctes de Castillon wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in Ctes de Castillon: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Ctes de Castillon Controle

(since 1989)
Right bank of the Dordogne river St Magne de Castillon, Castillon la Batille and 7 other villages Sandy gravels and clay Clayey-limestone 2,900 ha (7,500 acres)
Most of the domains are less than 10 ha
(25 acres)
22 million bottles
No white wine
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Red wine 2 to 5 years 2005, 2003 Strawberry Dried plum Vanilla Grilled red meat Spare ribs Turkey Leg of lamb
Aromas:
Ctes de Castillon and Food:
Cantal Ctes de Salers Castillon andCheese: Tomme de Savoie
Close to Saint Emilion and Ctes de Castillon, Ctes de Francs is one of the highest vineyard in Bordeaux. Ctes de Francs takes advantage of the lowest rain in the area and a soil rich in clay and limestone. Ctes de Francs is a full-flavored red wine.
Read more about Bordeaux wines with Amazon.com: - Bordeaux: a comprehensive guide to the wines, by Robert M., Jr. Parker
Ctes de Francs wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes inCtes de Francs: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Ctes de Francs Controle 10km east of St Emilion

On one of the highest point in Bordeaux
Francs, Saint Cibard, Tayac Clayey-limestone 490 ha (1,200 acres) 3.6 million bottles
Almost 100% red wine
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot Full flavored red wine 4 to 8 years 2005, 2003, 2000 Black currant Licorice
Aromas:
Food: Cheese:
Red meat Cantal Salers
With 800 ha (less than 2,000 acres) Pomerol is the smallest wine producing area in the Bordeaux region. Actually, Pomerol is more a community where the vineyards are family-shared. A ranking is not warmly welcome. You will not find typical huge Bordeaux chateaux as in the Mdoc area. However Pomerol hosts one of the most famous of all: Ptrus The Pomerol wine can be more robust than others in Bordeaux. They have an exclusive velvety quality. Pomerol is at its very best when the bottle reaches the age of 15 ! Pomerol wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production:
Appellation Pomerol Controle

no ranking in Pomerol!
Along the Isle river Pomerol, Libourne, etc Very diverse from gravels to clay (in Ptrus) 800 ha
less than 2,000 acres
5.3 million bottles

Strictly reserved to red wine
Grapes: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec Full-body red wine
Strong bouquet
More than 10 years and up to 20 years

15 years is the optimum for a Pomerol
2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989 Well-ripen red fruits Licorice Dried fruits Game Partridge Veal Roasted turkey Pears in wine Cantal Comt Maroilles Ossau-Iraty Saint-Nectaire Langres
Aromas:
Pomerol Wine and Food:
Pomerol Wine and Cheese:
Fronsac wine region is a lovely area of hills along the Dordogne and l'Isle rivers, west of Saint milion. Until the 19th centuries, Fronsac wine was one of the most popular in the region. Merlot is the most important grape giving to the wine body and richness although the wine keeps a strong personality.
Fronsac wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Fronsac: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Fronsac Controle Appellation Canon-Fronsac Controle (from Fronsac and Saint Michel de
Fronsac villages only)
Hills along Dordogne and l'Isle rivers Fronsac, St Michel de Fronsac, Saillans, etc Clay / Limestone 1,200 ha (3,000 acres) 6 million bottles
Canon-Fronsac: 2 million bottles
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Strong red wine

Powerful bouquet
2 to10 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 Woody Red fruits Vanilla Grilled red meat Feathered game Rabbit in mustard sauce White meat Pears with wine Cantal Comt Maroilles Reblochon Saint-Nectaire Langres
Aromas:
Fronsac Wine and Food:
Fronsac Wine and Cheese:
Ctes de Bourg is located on the right bank of the Dordogne river at the point where it meets the Gironde river in the Bordeaux region. South of Blaye, the small appellation around the village of Bourg produces a better medium-body red wine than its neighbor. The wine from Ctes de Bourg is quite tannic with strong aromas of red fruits.
Read more about Bordeaux wines with Amazon.com: - Bordeaux: A comprehensive guide to the wines, by Robert M., Jr. Parker
Ctes de Bourg wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Ctes de Bourg: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Ctes de Bourg Controle 30 Km (19 miles) north of Bordeaux, where Gironde and Dordogne
meet Bourg sur Gironde, Lansac, Tauriac, Teuillac, etc.
Clayey-limestone 3,700 ha (9,000 acres) 31 million bottles
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec Medium-body tannic red wine
Limited production of dry white wine
2 to 5 years 2005, 2003
Aromas:
Red fruits Grilled red meat Veal, Turkey Sausage, Pat Comt Laguiole Morbier Reblochon
Food:
Ctes de Bourg and Cheese:
The Mdoc is situated north of the town of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. Mdoc is divided in two parts, the HautMdoc in the south, near the town, and the north part traditionally called Mdoc. Wines from Mdoc are red. They are delicate, medium colored, they are fine and elegant; often tannic when young, harmonious and splendid when matured. Grands crus classs in Mdoc count for 25% of the vineyards, 20% of the production and about 50% of the sales. However none sells under the Mdoc appellation but Haut-Mdoc, Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint-Estphe and Chateau Haut-Brion in Pessac Lognan.
List of Mdoc Great Growths
Mdoc wine information :
Appellation: Location:
Appellation Mdoc Controle 140 Crus Bourgeois North of Mdoc wine area, between Blanquefort and Saint Seurin de Cadourne
Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes inMdoc: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Blanquefort, Bgadan, Saint Christoly de Mdoc, etc Gravels Clayey-limestone 4,900 ha (12,000 acres) About 650 vine growers 40 million bottles
No white wine Most important red wine producing area
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot Fruity full-body red wine 5 to 10 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995 Oak Red fruits Spices Vanilla Red meat Roasted beef Ham Rabbit in mustard sauce
Aromas:
Food:
Beaufort Emmental Mdoc Wine Ossau-Iraty and Cheese: Roquefort Saint Nectaire
Haut-Mdoc is actually south of the the Mdoc region. 5 Grands Crus Classs (Great Growths) are based in Haut-Mdoc. All the others are in the adjacent and smaller in size appellations: Pauillac, Margaux,Saint Julien, Saint Estphe. Haut-Mdoc - such as in Mdoc - is a land of red wine. They are generous, not too powerful red wines with a delicate bouquet of vanilla and black fruits.
Haut-Mdoc wine information :
Appellation:
Appellation Haut-Mdoc Controle 5 Grands Crus Classs in Haut-Mdoc Many Crus Bourgeois South of Mdoc
Saint Laurent du Mdoc, Avensan, Macau, Saint Seurin de Cadourne, etc
Location: Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Gravels, clay Clayey-limestone 4,270 ha (10,500 acres) About 400 vine growers. 36 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec Medium to full-body red wine 5 to 10 years and more 2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
Aromas:
Dried cherry Berry fruits Barnyard Vanilla Veal Poultry Rabbit Cantal Fourme d'Ambert Saint Nectaire
Food:
Cheese:
Margaux lays on a soil of white graves - a special kind of gravel brought from the mountains by the river. Margaux (also a female name in France) is the quintessence of the terroir and of the winemaker's work. That is probably the reason why the best chteaux produce also the best wines! In Margaux, Chteau Margaux produces the most delicate wine of the Mdoc. They are 18 Grands Crus Classs (great growths) in Margaux. Margaux wines have a full-flavored bouquet and a magnificent elegance.
List of Mdoc Growths Chteau Margaux
Margaux wine information :
18 Grands Crus Classs Appellation Margaux Controle On the plateau overlooking the Gironde estuary
Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in Margaux: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Margaux, Arsac, Cantenac, Labarde and Soussans White graves (gravels) 1,300 ha (3,200 acres) 80 chateaux and domaines 9.5 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot Medium to full-body red wine
Delicate bouquet
5 to 25 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1986, 1982 Red fruits Toast Coffee Truffle Roasted duck Game Partridge and feathered game Spare ribs Saint Nectaire Edam Gouda
Aromas:
Margaux Wine and Food: Margaux Wine and Cheese:
Saint-Estphe is a true "terroir" wine. The influence of the soil, gravels as usual and more clays than in Mdoc, can be experienced
when tasting a Saint-Estphe wine. Although Pauillac is just closeby, Saint-Estphe wines are different. Saint-Estphe wines are very colored, earthy, firm, robust and tannic. They reach their maturity slower than other Mdoc wines. Saint-Estphe hosts 5 Grands Crus Classs (great growths) such as Chteau Montrose and Chteau Cos d'Estournel
Appellation:
5 Grands Crus Classs Appellation Saint-Estphe Controle About 50 crus bourgeois North part of Mdoc, close to Pauillac Saint-Estphe Gravel Clay Sand 1,200 ha (3,000 acres) 155 vine growers 9 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot,
Carmenre, Malbec
Location: Places:
Soil:
Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in SaintEstphe: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Tannic full-body red wine 5 to 30 years and even more ! 2005, 2003, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1986, 1983, 1970
Aromas:
Black currant Red fruits Toast Red meat Game
Food:
SaintSaint Nectaire EstpheWine Edam andCheese: Gouda
Pauillac is maybe the best appellation of Bordeaux with three premiers grands crus classs (1st great growth) out of 5. Pauillac has 18 grands crus classs in total! The great chteaux of Pauillac are Chteau Lafite, Chteau Latour and Chteau Mouton-Rothschild. Pauillac wines generally have a lot of body, tannic and acid when they are young; they have an opulent bouquet with aromas of blackcurrant and cedar when they age.
Pauillac wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil:
18 grands crus classs Appellation Pauillac Controle Between Gironde river and Canal du Midi in the Mdoc
On the way to Saint Estphe
Pauillac, etc Gravels and sands
Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in Pauillac: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
1,100 ha (2,700 acres) 115 vine growers 8.5 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot Full-body red wine
strong bouquet
10 to 25 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1986, 1982 Black currant Cedar Red meat Red meat game Foie gras Mushroom dishes Saint Nectaire Edam Gouda
Aromas: Pauillac Wine and Food: Pauillac Wine and Cheese:
Just a little bit less powerful than Pauillac and rustic than SaintEstphe, Saint-Julien wines are very aromatized. They are harmonious and well balanced red wines. Saint-Julien is the right balance between Pauillac and Margaux. Saint-Julien has 11 Grands Crus Classs (great growths). The quality is so good in Saint-Julien, that second wines from those chteaux are very attractive.
Saint Julien wine information :

11 Grands Crus Classs Appellation Saint Julien Controle Crus Bourgeois At the center of Haut-Mdoc Saint Julien Beychevelle Gravels 900 ha (2,200 acres) 26 vineyards 6.5 million bottles
Appellation:
Location: Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production:
Grapes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Saint Julien: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Powerful red wine 10 to 15 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990 Black currant Cocoa Cedar box Lamb Game Ham Rabbit in mustard sauce Edam Gouda
Aromas:
Food:
Cheese:
Listrac is more distant from a river and from the ocean than any other Bordeaux appellations. At the beginning of the last century, Listrac was one of the largest appellation in Mdoc. The traditional link between Listrac and Moulis should not prevail. Actually, the wine is closer to Saint-Estphe. Listrac produces vigorous and tannic red wines.
Read more about Bordeaux wines with Amazon.com: - Bordeaux: a comprehensive guide to the wines produced from 1961 to 1997, by Robert M., Jr. Parker
Listrac wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in
Appellation Listrac Controle 22 crus bourgeois in Listrac In the Mdoc, North of Moulis Listrac-Mdoc Limestone Clayey-limestone 700 ha 90 domains and chateaux 5 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Listrac: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Tannic medium-body red wine up to 10 years 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 Black currant Woody Licorice Roasted duck Rumsteak, Tournedos Spare ribs Saint Nectaire Edam Gouda
Aromas:
Food: Listrac and Cheese:
Moulis name is coming from "moulin" (french word for windmill). Indeed nowadays, three ancient mills are still viewable in Moulis. Moulis produces a velvety red wine, less tannic than Listrac. Moulis is ready to drink sooner than other Mdoc wines.
Moulis wine information :
Appellation Moulis Controle Crus Bourgeois Closer to the Atlantic, in the west part of Haut-Mdoc
Places: Soil: Size: Vineyards: Production: Grapes in Moulis: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Moulis en Mdoc Gravels Clayey-limestone 550 ha (1,300 acres) 42 properties 4.2 million bottles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Velvety red wine 3 to 8 years and more 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 Black currant Red fruits Violet Licorice Roasted guinea fowl Feathered game
Aromas:
Food:
Camembert Moulis Wine Saint Nectaire and Cheese: Edam Gouda
The area of Graves gets its name from the soil. Graves are a mix of gravels, clay and sand carried out by the river. Graves appellation is located just outside the town of Bordeaux.
The red wines of Graves are recognizable by their garnet-red color, rich, attractive and more robust than the other Mdoc wines. Two third of Graves wines are white. Among the best white wines inBordeaux, they are generally fresh, fruity and dry (some time half-dry). The appellation of "Graves suprieurs" is strictly reserved to sweet white wines.
List of Graves Great Growths
Graves wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Graves: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Grands Crus Classs Graves Appellation Graves Controle

Appellation Graves Suprieur Contrle: sweet white wine only
South of Bordeaux Illats, Mazres, Portets, etc Graves: gravels, clay and sand from the mountains carried out by the
river
3,000 ha (7,400 acres)

75% red - 25% white
22 million bottles
Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc White: Smillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle
Robust medium to full-body red wine Elegant dry white wine

Also a sweet white wine
Red: 6 to 20 years White: 3 to 12 years Red: 2006, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1986 White: 2006, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1996, 1995
Red: Red fruits Cinnamon Black currant Aromas: White: Flowery (lime-flower) Passion fruits Apricot Red: Roasted pork Medallion of veal Roasted duck White: Lobster Red: Beaufort Roquefort White: Cantal Crottin de Chavignol Roquefort Valencay
Food:
Cheese and Graves wines:
The famous "clairets" wine was made first in Pessac Lognan. Pessac Lognan was detached from the Graves appellation. North of the Graves, Pessac Lognan tends to get closer and closer to Mdoc. The terroir in Pessac Lognan is quite exclusive. Red wines from Pessac Lognan have a powerful bouquet. They are among the best in Bordeaux. You will find Haut-Brion in Pessac Lognan. White wines are well-structured and can age in a cellar. After 5 years they begin to express rich aromas.
List of Graves Great Growths
Pessac Lognan wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes:
8 Grands Crus Classs Graves Appellation Pessac-Lognan Controle North of Graves

Pessac, Lognan, Grzillac, Mrignac, Talence
Gravels 1,350 ha (3,300 acres) 9 million bottles

Red:Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot White: Smillon, Sauvignon
Type of wine: Age:
Supple red wine

Powerful bouquet
Medium to full body white wine Red: 6 to 20 years White: 5 to 15 years
Vintages:
(recommended)
Red: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1988 White: 2006, 2001, 1998, 1996, 1995 Red: Red fruits Ripen fruits Cocoa
Aromas: White: Orange pills Boxwood Passion fruits Food and Pessac Red wine: Roast lamb
Lognan:
Poultry White wine: Fish Red wine: Beaufort
Cheese and Pessac Lognan:
White wine: Cantal Crottin de Chavignol Roquefort Valencay
Sauternes is famous for sweet wines such as Yquem, RaymondLafon and Rieussec. They are among the best dessert wines in the world Sauternes is made with noble rot (also called botrytis, a moisture covering the grape), Because soils are so diverse, and each house has its own way of making the golden wine, Sauternes is a very personalized wine. Sauternes are often delicious, golden, unctuous and delicate. The famous roasted note comes when Sauternes is a little bit older. Sauternes has its own ranking shared with Barsac. Sauternes wine information :
Appellation: Location: Places:
Crus Classs de Sauternes Appellation Sauternes Controle 50 km south east of Bordeaux

Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues de Langon, Preignac
Soil:
Gravels Clayey-limestone Limestone 1,800 ha (4,500 acres) 4.5 million bottles Sauvignon Smillon Muscadelle Powerful delicate sweet white wine
The King of sweet wines!
Size: Production:

(recommended)
5 to 35 years
sometimes more than 100 years
2003, 2001, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1983, 1981, 1976 Honey Dried pineapple Nuts Foie Gras Asparagus Lobster Trout Bleu d'Auvergne Fourme d'Ambert Livarot Roquefort
Aromas:
Food and Sauternes: Cheese and Sauternes:
In the southern part of the Bordeaux region, Barsac is famous for outstanding sweet wines such Chateau Climens and Chateau Coutet. Barsac is among the best dessert wines in the world. In Barsac, wine growers have the choice to market their wine under the Barsac AOC or Sauternes AOC. It means that all Barsac wines could also be Sauternes wines while Sauternes wines cannot wear Barsac on their label. Actually, Barsac and Sauternes vineyards are separated by the Ciron river. Barsac lays on the left bank of the river. Local climate could explain the high quality of the wine in Barsac. Every morning a mist covers the vines while sun exposure during the day is particularly high for the Bordeaux region. The association of the two leads to proper development of Botrytis fungus, a noble rot that gives very high concentration of sugar, essential for sweet white wine. Barsac is maybe a little bit less liquorous and more fruity than Sauternes.
Read more about Bordeaux wines with Amazon.com: - Bordeaux: A comprehensive guide to the wines produced from 1961 to 1997, by Robert M., Jr. Parker
Barsac wine information :
Appellation:
Crus Classs de Sauternes Appellation Barsac Controle

or Appellation Sauternes Controle
Location: Places: Soil:
50 km (31 miles) south-east of Bordeaux, along the left bank of the Garonne river Barsac Gravels, red sand Clayey-limestone
Size: Production:
830 ha (2,050 acres) 1.8 million bottles Sauvignon Smillon Muscadelle Powerful fruity sweet white wine more than 50 years 2003, 2001, 1997, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1983, 1976, 1961 Honey Dried fig Acacia Foie Gras Asparagus Lobster Trout Bleu d'Auvergne Fourme d'Ambert Livarot Roquefort

(recommended)
Aromas:
Barsac and Food: Barsac and Cheese:
Overlooking the Garonne river, Premires Ctes de Bordeaux starts South of Bordeaux city to Cadillac. Premires Ctes de Bordeaux is a long and narrow stretch of vineyards, more than 50 kilometers (30 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. It means that the soils, the grapes grown, the wines made are quite diverse. Premires Ctes de Bordeaux is more and more a red wine appellation although all kind of wines are produced there. The best dry white wine are sold under the Bordeaux AOC label. The best sweet wine under the Cadillac appellation.
The red wines of Premires Ctes de Bordeaux are colorful and strong. Some of them are excellent. Red wines are made from typical Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc grapes but also from Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenre, a local grape from Bordeaux similar to Merlot. Premires Ctes de Bordeaux information :
Name: Location: Places:
Appellation Premires Ctes de Bordeaux Controle

Right bank of Garonne, from Saint Maixant and Cadillac to the city of Bordeaux Capian, Saint Maixant, Rions, Haux, Quinsac, Langoiran, Cambes, etc
Soil:
Limestone Gravels Clay 3,300 ha (8,150 acres)

85% red - 15% white
Size: Production: Grapes:
24 million bottles
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenre White: Smillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle
Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Colorful and strong red wine

Also dry white wine, sweet white wine, clairet, and even sparkling wine
3 to 7 years
(red wine)
2005, 2003, 2000 Red fruits Black fruits Spices
Aromas:
Food: Cheese:
Red meat Beefsteak White: Cheddar
The Bordeaux AOC appellation alone counts for about 25% of the total AOC wine production in France. Bordeaux AOC wines are coming from everywhere in the Bordeauxwine region. The appellation roughly covers Gironde department. The quality of both red and white wine depends very much on the wine maker talent and on the quality of the grapes. It means that the quality varies from very disappointing wines to excellent bargain chateaux. The Bordeaux suprieur appellation grow on the same soils. Red wines may have a higher quality and can age better. Bordeaux AOC wine information :
Appellation Bordeaux Controle Appellation Bordeaux Suprieur Controle Gironde department

Too many to mention!
Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Bordeaux:
Various 59,000 ha (150,000 acres) Red: 400 million bottles White: 75 million bottles
Red wine: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, Carmenre, Petit Verdot White wine: Sauvignon, Smillon, Muscadelle and Ugni blanc, Colombard, Merlot blanc, Mauzac, Ondenc
Type of Bordeaux AOC wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Well-balanced red wine to drink young Nervous and fruity dry white wine
Fresh and fruity ros wine
2 to 5 years Red: 2005, 2003 White: 2006, 2003 Red fruits Vanilla Grilled Bread Red: Red meat Pat White: Onion tart Mussels Red: Emmental
Aromas:
Bordeaux and Food:
Bordeaux White: and Cheese: Boursin Roquefort Tomme de Savoie Valencay
Entre Deux Mers is not exactly between two seas but actually between two rivers: Dordogne and Garonne. Entre-Deux-Mers produce a very good dry white wine. Wine makers prefer to keep their best grapes for Entre-Deux-Mers instead ofBordeaux AOC. However because of the compact soil, this is not the best place to grow vines in Bordeaux.
Entre-Deux-Mers wine information :
Appellation Entre-Deux-Mers Controle Between 2 rivers (and not seas !): Dordogne and Garonne Grzillac, Naujan, Soussac, etc Compact sands Silt Clayey-limestone 2,400 ha (6,000 acres) 15 million bottles Sauvignon and Smillon, Muscadelle Fresh and fruity dry white wine
Soil:
Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wine:
Age: Vintage:
(recommended)
1 to 3 years Drink young 2005 Grapefruit Litchi Peach Oysters (recommended) Shellfish Asparagus Avocado Frog legs Sole Meunire Roquefort
Aromas:
Entre Deux Mers and Food:
Cheese:
The village of Chablis gives its name to one of the most famous white wine in France. Chablis is located at the north of the Burgundy region. Chablis wine is made of Chardonnay grape. Over there people called it Beaunois, taking the name from the close-by wine region of Beaune.
Chardonnay grow on a limestone soil rich with fossils and specially oysters. A long time ago, a sea covered Burgundy and Chablis. Chablis wine is brisk and fruity, very dry and with a refreshing acidity. In the nose, there are flavors of green apple and lemon. In the mouth Chablis delivers aromas of vanilla, lemon and linden. When older, Chablis has a golden color and is more spicy. Chablis is recommended with grilled fish but is also a good companion with white meat and even curry or tandoori. Chablis wine information :
Appellation Chablis Grand Cru Controle
Chablis Appellation:
Appellation Chablis Premier Cru Controle Appellation Chablis Controle Appellation Petit Chablis Controle
Location: Places: Soil in Chablis: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines:
North of Burgundy, around the city of Auxerre

180km south of Paris (110 miles)
Chablis, Beines, Fontenay prs Chablis, etc (in 18

villages)
Clayey-limestone
Marl and fossils
4,300 ha (10,500 acres) 32 million bottles

White wine only in Chablis!
Chardonnay Fruity dry white wine 2 to 5 years
Age:
Premier Cru: 3 to 7 years Grand Cru: 5 to 12 years
Vintages:
(recommended)
2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1997, 1996, 1995
Nuts Aromas in Chablis: Butter Mineral Grilled salmon Poultry White meat Lobster and shellfish
Chvre (goat cheese) Aisy Cendr Cantal Chaource Epoisses Langres Chabichou du Poitou Crottin de Chavignol
Chablis and Food:
Chablis and Cheese:
Cte de Nuits is not an appellation but a wine region producing great red wines such as Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny,Vougeot, Vosne-Romane and Nuits SaintGeorges. They are all robust and elegant red wines with an intense and fragrant bouquet.
The Cte de Nuits Villages appellation applies to the wines coming from Prmeaux to Corgoloin just south of Nuits Saint Georges. The 'terroir' there is known for the purity of the limestone. A few wines from Fixin are also in the appellation. Cte de Nuits Villages are great value red wines, very fruity and should be drunk before 5 years.
Read more about Burgundy wines with Amazon.com : - Cte d'Or: a celebration of the great wines of Burgundy, by Clive Coates
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Cte de Nuits Villages wine information :

Appellation: Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Cte de Nuits Villages Controle South of Nuits Saint Georges Fixin, Brochon, Prmeaux, Comblanchien, Corgoloin Limestone Clay 170 ha (420 acres) 1 million bottles
Very limited production of white
Red: Pinot Noir

White: Chardonnay
Fruity medium-body red wine 3 to 5 years 2005, 2003, 2002 Red fruits Licorice Roasted duck Red meat
Aromas: Food:
Cheese:
Brie Brillat-Savarin Cantal Chaource Salers
Gevrey-Chambertin is the largest appellation in Cte de Nuits. Gevrey-Chambertin is also one of the most famous wines in France. The location of the vineyard is crucial in Gevrey-Chambertin. The red wines - red wine only in Gevrey Chambertin - range from just average to supreme. The best Gevrey-Chambertin grands crus are Chambertin and Clos de Bze. They are among the finest french red wines.
Also: Gevrey-Chambertin grands crus Read more about Burgundy wines with Amazon.com : - Cte d'Or: a celebration of the great wines of Burgundy, by Clive Coates
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Gevrey Chambertin wine information :

Appellation Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru Appellation: Appellation Gevrey Chambertin Controle and 9 Gevrey Chambertin Grand Crus
Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grape: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
North of Gevrey Gevrey Chambertin, Brochon Limestone gravels Clayey limestone 400 ha (990 acres) 2.3 million bottles
Red wine only in Gevrey Chambertin!
Pinot Noir Deep colored full body red wine 5 to 25 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985 Cherry Musk Licorice Grilled red meat Roast red meat Epoisses
Aromas: Gevrey and Food: Cheese:
Monks first planted vine in Clos de Vougeot in the 12th century. Nowadays, protected by a wall of stones, Clos de Vougeot is the largest grand cru area in Burgundy.
The vineyard of Clos de Vougeot is shared between 80 owners. It generates a lot of troubles for wine tasters as the average production per owner is a little bit more than 1,000 bottles ! Vougeot and Vougeot Premier Cru are the smallest appellations in Burgundy - excluding Clos de Vougeot - and sometimes provide very good value with both red and white wines.
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Clos de Vougeot wine information :

Appellation Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Appellation: Appellation Vougeot Premier Cru Appellation Vougeot Controle Location: Place: In Cte de Nuits Vougeot Clayey limestone Gravels (higher vineyard) Humus (lower vineyard) 450 ha (1,110 acres) 220,000 bottles
Red wine only in Clos de Vougeot!
Soil:
Size: Production: Grape: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Pinot Noir Harmonious full body red wine 10 to 15 years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993
Aromas:
Red fruits Chocolate Licorice
Clos de Vougeot and Grilled red meat Food: Cheese: Epoisses
Vosne Romane is home to one of the most famous wines in France:La Romane Conti. Although Romane Conti is universally known, the village of Vosne Romane where it comes from is one the smallest wine villages in Burgundy ! The wine region around Vosne Romane also hosts several grands crus such as Grands-Echezeaux and Richebourg which make of Vosne Romane terroirs the best of Burgundy red wines.
More : Romane-Conti wine Vosne-Romane grands crus
Vosne Romane wine information :

Appellation Vosne Romane Controle Appellation: Appellation Vosne Romane Premier Cru List of appellations in Vosne Romane Location: North part of Cote de Nuits
Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grape: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Vosne Romane, Flagey-chezeaux Clay 150 ha (370 acres) 900,000 bottles

Red wine only
Pinot Noir Elegant red wine 5 to 15 years 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993 Cherry Strawberry Coq au vin (coq au vin recipe) Roast red meat Munster Maroilles Chabichou Saint Nectaire
Aromas:
Food: Cheese:
The village of Nuits Saint Georges gives its name to the Cte de Nuits. The Cte de Nuits starts just south of Dijon to the edge of Cote de Beaune.
Nuits Saint Georges produces mostly red wines. Red Cte de Nuits are robust and elegant. Their bouquet is intense and fragrant. The other villages producing Cte de Nuits are Chambertin, MoreySaint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot and Vosne-Romane (seeRomane-Conti).
Read more about Burgundy wines with Amazon.com: - Cte d'Or: a celebration of the great wines of Burgundy, by Clive Coates
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Nuits Saint Georges wine information :

Appellation Nuits Saint Georges Controle Appellation: Appellation Nuits Saint Georges Premier Cru Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
South of Dijon city Nuits Saint Georges, Prmeaux Clayey limestone Rocks 300 ha (740 acres) 1.7 million bottles
Limited white wine production
Red: Pinot Noir

White: Chardonnay
Full body red wine 5 to 20 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1988 Cherry Blackcurrant Truffle
Aromas:
Food: Cheese:
Roast game Meat in red wine sauce Brie Cantal
The Cte de Beaune begins just a few miles south of Nuits SaintGeorges, around the village of Ladoix. The Cte de Beaune appellation is given to wines coming from the city of Beaune but also from 16 villages around Beaune such as Auxey-Duresses, Chassagne-Montrachet, Ladoix, Saint-Romain and Savigny les Beaune. Red Cte de Beaune are noticeable for their aroma and their warm bouquet. They have a tendency to a slightly lighter body and a quicker maturation than the Ctes de Nuits. The white wines of Cte de Beaune are straw-yellow, robust, thick and smooth, very dry. Cte de Beaune Villages is a different appellation. Wines from all the Cte de Beaune area can substitute their local appellation with this regional type of appellation.
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Cte de Beaune wine information :

Appellation: Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Appellation Cte de Beaune Controle In the Beaune "mountain" Beaune and 16 villages Limestone 35 ha (85 acres) 170,000 bottles
2/3: red - 1/3: white
Red: Pinot Noir White: Chardonnay Light fruity red wine white wine 2 to 5 years 2005, 2003, 2002 Red: Raspberry
Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Aromas:
White: White flowers Grapefruit Burgundy snails Cantal Coulommiers Emmental Munster
Beaune and Food: Cheese:
Reblochon
Corton is the largest area of Grands Crus in Burgundy. This terroir also called la montagne (the mountain) in the Aloxe-Corton area produces the best red wines of Cte de Beaune. Corton needs to age at least 10 years to develop the smooth, rich red fruits aroma. At the top of the hill, Corton-Charlemagne is a great white Burgundy wine, one of the best in the region among Montrachet and Meursault. Its is said that the french emperor Charlemagne owned this place 1,300 years ago. The other wines are sold under the Aloxe Corton appellation. They are very good red wines and offer good value. Aloxe Corton and Corton wine information :
Appellation Aloxe-Corton Controle Appellation Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru Appellation Corton Grand Cru Appellation Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru North part of Cte de Beaune Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix-Serrigny, Pernand-Vergelesses Limestone Marl
Aloxe Corton: 130ha Corton: 100ha
Appellations in Corton:
Location: Place: Soil: Size:
Charlemagne: 60ha Total: 290 ha (715 acres)
Production:
Aloxe Corton: 750,000 Corton: 480,000 Charlemagne: 300,000 Total: 1,530,000 bottles
99% of red wine
Grapes: Type of wines:
Red: Pinot Noir

White: Chardonnay, Pinot Beurot
Deep colored red wine 5 to 15 years: Aloxe-Corton 10 to 20 years: Corton and Corton-Charlemagne 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985
Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Red: Red fruits Aromas in Corton: Truffle

White: Cinnamon, Honey, Butter
Corton and Food: Cheese:
Venison Duck Red meat White wine: Reblochon
There are only red wines in Pommard. They are among the most tannic and robust wines in Burgundy, much stronger than Beaune andVolnay close-by wines. Although Pommard is one of the most well-known appellation of the region, the wine's quality decreased over the last decades.
However, since a number of campaigns, Pommard wines is improving and the name is back into business. Pommard wine information :
Appellation Pommard Controle Appellation: Appellation Pommard Premier Cru Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Between Beaune and Volnay Pommard Limestone and red clay 315 ha (780 acres) 1.8 million bottles
Only red wine in Pommard!
Pinot Noir Tannic full-body red wine 5 to 15 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990 Black cherry Blackcurrant Musk Game Venison Roast red meat Livarot
Aromas:
Pommard and Food: Cheese:
Volnay has been very famous for already 8 centuries. A King of France even took the whole production of a campaign for his own only ! Volnay produces only red wines. They are well-structured and elegant. The white wines made in the Volnay area are sold under the Meursault appellation. Note that red Volnay-Santenots wines are actually coming from Meursault.
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Volnay wine information :

Appellation Volnay Controle Appellation: Appellation Volnay Premier Cru Location of Volnay: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Between Pommard and Meursault in Cote de Beaune Volnay

Volnay-Santenots is made in Meursault
Limestone Clay 230 ha (570 acres) 1.3 million bottles

Only red wine in Volnay!
Pinot Noir Elegant red wine 3 to 15 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990
Aromas: Volnay and Food: Cheese:
Red berry Raspberry Violet Game Citeaux Epoisses
The white wines from Meursault are among the finest white wines in France. It seems that white wine has always been grown in Meursault, as early as 1050. A third of the production in Meursault has a Premier Cru label and is of great quality. The best of the best are Les Perrires, Les Charmes, les Gouttes d'Or. Meursault wine information :
Appellation Meursault Controle Appellations in Appellation Meursault Premier Cru Meursault:
Appellation Volnay-Santenots Premier Cru (red wine)
Location: Place: Soil:
In Cote de Beaune, south of Volnay and north of Puligny Montrachet
Meursault Limestone Marl
Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
440 ha (1,090 acres) 2.5 million bottles

Limited production of red wine
Chardonnay Mellow dry white wine 3 to 15 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993, 1990 Almond Apple Nut Fish in white sauce
Cantal Chaource Coulommiers Epoisses Reblochon Saint Marcellin Vacherin
Aromas: Meursault and Food:
Cheese with Meursault:
Chassagne-Montrachet in the Cte de Beaune is famous for the great white wines produced in the 5 appellations (see below) including 3 grands crus. Montrachet, the most famous of them, is often called "king of white wines". Chassagne-Montrachet until recently produced mainly red wines. Although a few of them can match with the best of the Burgundy
region, the overall Chassagne-Montrachet red production cannot be compared with Corton and Volnay. Nowadays, 60% of the wines in Chassagne-Montrachet are white. They are among the best in Burgundy, even in France and are increasingly popular.
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Chassagne Montrachet wine information :

Appellation Chassagne Montrachet Controle Appellation Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru
Appellations in Chassagne Montrachet:
Appellation Montrachet Grand Cru Appellation Btard Montrachet Grand Cru Appellation Criots Btard Montrachet Grand Cru
Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines:
South of Cte de Beaune Chassagne Montrachet, Remigny Clayey limestone 350 ha (865 acres) 2 million bottles
60%: white - 40%: red
Red: Pinot Noir White: Chardonnay Fruity full-body red wine Full-flavored white wine Red: 3 to 10 years White: 5 to 20 years
Age:
Vintages:
(recommended)
Red: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993 White: 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1989, 1985 Red: Cherry Blackcurrant
Aromas in Chassagne Montrachet:
White: Almond Ripen apple Honey Red: Roast game
Food:
White: Grilled fish White meat Fish in white sauce White: Langres Saint Nectaire
Cheese:
Although Rully is located in the Cte Chlonnaise, the terroirs, the history and style of Rully wines make them more similar to Cte de Beaune. Both red and white wines from Rully are good value for your money. 25 Premiers Crus have reached over the years a very good level.
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Rully wine information :

Appellation Rully Controle Appellation: Appellation Rully Premier Cru Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: North part of Cte Chlonnaise Rully, Chagny Limestone Clay 320 ha (790 acres) 2 million bottles
2/3: White - 1/3: Red
White: Chardonnay Red: Pinot Noir
Type of wines:
Fine dry white wine Well-structured red wine White: 2 to 5 years
Age: Red: 3 to 5 years Vintages:

(recommended)
White: 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001 Red: 2006, 2003, 2002 White: Hazelnut White flowers
Aromas in Rully: Red: Raspberry Cherry Rully and Food: White: Grilled Fish
Shells Red: Red meat Rully and Cheese: White wine: Beaufort Comt Emmental
Givry is a pretty village just outside of Chalon sur Sane city. There are many historic places of interests in the village of Givry itself. Although, the wine from Givry is not one of the most famous inBurgundy, a new generation of winemakers is responsible for attractive wines. Givry red wines are similar to those of Mercurey. Winemakers also produce a fine white wine in limited quantity.
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Givry wine information :

Appellation Givry Controle Appellation: Appellation Givry Premier Cru Location: Place: Soil:
Close to Chalon sur Sane and 6km south of Mercurey
Givry, Dracy-le-Fort, Jambles Clay Limestone

(recommended)
220 ha (540 acres) 1.4 million bottles

Limited white wine production
Red: Pinot Noir

White: Chardonnay
Medium-body red wine 3 to 7 years 2005, 2003, 2002 Cherry Raspberry Red: Red meat Brie de Meaux Charolais Reblochon Parmesan
Aromas: Givry and Food:
Cheese:
Pouilly and Fuiss are two distinct villages in the Mconnais. The large wine area actually covers 4 villages to produce a good white wine sold under the name of Pouilly Fuiss. Although Pouilly Fuiss should be drunk when age 5, it can be forgotten in a cellar for a very long time as it can possibly age 20 years or even more ! Pouilly Fuiss should not be confused with Pouilly Fum, a white wine from the Loire Valley.
Pouilly Fuiss wine information :

Appellation: Location: Place: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Pouilly Fuiss Controle around Mcon Fuiss, Chaintr, Solutr-Pouilly, Vergisson Clayey limestone 875 ha (2,150 acres) 5.8 million bottles
White wine only in Pouilly Fuiss!
Chardonnay Rich dry white wine 2 to 6 years 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 Grilled almond Nut White flower Shellfish, Oysters Banon Mconnais Picodon
Aromas: Pouilly Fuiss and Food: Cheese:
Bourgogne appellation covers all the Burgundy region. The vineyards of Bourgogne AOC are located on 385 villages ! The grapes used in Burgundy are Pinot Noir for red wine andChardonnay for white wine. A few decades ago, winemakers also used Pinot Beurot, Csar and Tressot red grapes but they have now almost completely disappeared. The quality varies very much from acidic to supple from one producer to another.
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Bourgogne AOC wine information :

Name: Location: Appellation Bourgogne Controle Burgundy region
385 villages as per department: 54 in Yonne 92 in Cte dOr 154 in Sane et Loire 85 in Rhne
Places:
Soil: Size:
Various from limestone to clay 3,000 ha (7,400 acres) 24 million bottles
Production:
Red: 15 million White: 9 million
Grapes in Burgundy:
Red: Pinot Noir White: Chardonnay

(recommended)
Various Red: 2 to 8 years White: 1 to 5 years Red: 2005, 2003, 2002, 1999 White: 2005, 2003, 2002 Red: Licorice Black fruits
Aromas:
White: Honey Vanilla Lemon Red: Red meat
Food:
White: White meat Fish Red wine: Maroilles Munster Camembert Emmental
Cheese:
Bourgogne Aligot is a light white wine. People in Burgundy drink it young as Aligot is not a wine that can age such as others. Aligot stands for a white grape name used only in Burgundy. However winemakers are allowed to add up to 15% of Chardonnay grapes.
The production of Bourgogne Aligot is decreasing years over years as people are going more after Chardonnay these days. Bourgogne Aligot from Bouzeron village deserve a special note for the winemakers' efforts toward quality.
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Bourgogne Aligot wine information :

Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grape: Type of wine: Age: Aromas: Food: Cheese: Appellation Bourgogne Aligot Controle All Burgundy region Same as Bourgogne AOC 385 villages
Various (all Burgundy region)
1,400 ha (3,460 acres) 11 million bottles

White wine only!
Aligot
and up to 15% of Chardonnay
Light white wine Drink it young! Apple Lemon Shellfish Aperitif with or without blackcurrant cream Charolais Mconnais
Gewurztraminer is the most typical Alsatian wine. Gewrz means "spicy" in german. It is the main characteristic of Gewurztraminer. Traminer means "coming from Tramin", a small city in south Tyrol of Austria where the grape is coming from. Gewurztraminer is the name of a grape but also the name of the wine made from the grape! Gewurztraminer was first grown in Alsace around the 19th century. The grapes now cover roughly 20% of the vineyards in the region. Gewurztraminer replaced a grape called Klevener or Savagnin. Nowadays klevener wines can only be found in the village of Heiligenstein and around. Klevener is a dry white wine with slight spicy flavor while less aromatic than Gewurz, it sould be drunk young. It is obviously in Alsace where Gewurztraminer grapes give the best results. The wine is delicious, fruity and with strong aromas, a very perfumed and flowery bouquet. Gewurztraminer is sweeter thanRiesling, which is a dry wine. Thick and rich wine, which can age, Gewurztraminer is better with sauerkraut, sausages and the Alsatian cheese Munster, curry seasoned dishes, chinese and mexican cooking and other spiced dishes. A Gewurztraminer can even be served as a dessert wine. Gewurztraminer is better when served at 10C (50F). Gewurztraminer can last up to 10 years in their best years. Gewurztraminer wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Gewurztraminer Appellation Alsace Controle Alsace region Eguisheim, Pfaffenheim, Riquewihr, Obermorschwihr, Orschwihr, etc Limestone Clayey-limestone
Size: Production: Grape: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
2,526 ha (6,250 acres)

18% of the Alsace vineyards' size
29 million bottles Gewurztraminer Very aromatic full-body white wine 3 to 10 years 2007, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 Grapefruit Rose Litchee Peach stone Aperitif Foie Gras Spicy dishes Asiatic food Dessert wine Munster (recommended) Roquefort Langres Maroilles Pont l'Eveque
Aromas:
Gewurz and Food:
Gewurz and Cheese:
Alsace Wine Region Map
Pinot Blanc (blanc stands for white while pinot is a wide variety of grape) also known as Klevner is a dry white wine from Alsace. Pinot Blanc is less aromatic than other white wines in Alsace. However Pinot Blanc balances between softness and freshness to make the lightest wine in Alsace along with Sylvaner. Pinot Blanc has a pale colour, delicately fruity with peach and pear aromas. Pinot Blanc is coming from the grape also called Pinot Blanc, often combined with Auxerrois grape which gives more alsacian flavor to the wine. Pinot Blanc covers roughly 20% of the vineyards in Alsace. Pinot Blanc should be drunk young, along with fish, white meat or even better with an onion tart. Pinot Blanc wine information :
Name: Location: Pinot Blanc Appellation Alsace Controle Alsace region Pfaffenheim, Barr, Guebwiller, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Rouffach, etc Sandstone 2,850 ha (7,000 acres)
Places:
Soil:
Size:
Production:
33 million bottles
Grapes:
Pinot Blanc (or klevner, clevner)

Often mixed with Pinot Auxerois
Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Refreshing dry white wine 2 to 5 years
2007, 2005
Aromas:
Peach Peer Flower
Food:
Fish Onion tart Poultry White meat Munster
Cheese:
The name of this wine is still a mystery. Tokay of Alsace is made 100% from Pinot Gris grape variety which is from Alsace itself or more probably from Burgundy and has never been linked with Hungary.
Pinot Gris grape information
Pinot Gris is a full-body white wine with a long lasting finish. It is such a rich and round white that it can even replace red wine with a red meat dish. However white meat is generally recommended with Pinot Gris. At its best, it can be served with Foie Gras! Pinot Gris from Alsace has a yellow colour tending to gold. It offers aromas of wood and mushroom. It is recommended to serve Pinot Gris at 12C (54F) which is a little bit warmer than usual dry white wine.
Since 2006, the official name is Pinot Gris. Tokay has been removed to avoid confusion with the Hungarian wine. Tokay Pinot Gris wine information :
Name: Location: Tokay Appellation Alsace Controle Alsace region
Clebourg, Guebwiller, Orschwihr, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Rorschwihr, etc
Places:
Soil:
Clayey-limestone 1,305 ha (3,200 acres)

Size:
Production: Grape: Type of wine: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
22 million bottles Pinot Gris Powerful full-body white wine 2 to 6 years
2007, 2005
Aromas:
Dried fruits Wood Spice White meat Foie gras Quiche Lorraine Chaource Epoisses Langres Pont l'Eveque
Food with Tokay:
Cheese with Tokay:
Sylvaner grape is originally coming from Austria and was introduced in Alsace only 2 centuries ago. Grapes grow in the northern part of the Alsatian vineyards and cover about 10% of the vineyards of the Alsace region. Sylvaner gives the best results in the famous terroir of Zotzenberg. It is the only place where wine makers can add Sylvaner along with Riesling and Gewurztraminer to rpoduce a great growth wine, one of the best wines from Alsace. Sylvaner gives a pleasant, fresh, fruity and dry wine. The wine has a pale green colour. Sylvaner offers flower and lemon aromas. It is better when drink young, served as an aperitif or with fish. Sylvaner is also called Silvaner or Gros Rhin. Sylvaner wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grape: Type of wine: Sylvaner Appellation Alsace Controle Alsace region
Eguisheim, Mittelbergheim, Molsheim, Zotzenberg, etc

Clayey-limestone
1,220 ha (3,000 acres)

20 million bottles Sylvaner Refreshing and light dry white wine
Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
up to 5 years
2007, 2004
Aromas:
White flowers Lemon
Sylvaner and Food:
Sea food Onion Tart Sauerkraut Pork meal Salad
Cremant d'Alsace
A sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris,Pinot Noir, Riesling or Chardonnay. Crmant can also be found in Burgundy, Loire Valley and Bordeaux among others. A popular one is the Crmant from Limoux in Roussillon. But the most popular Crmant is the sparkling wine from Alsace. Wine makers use almost the same traditional way as in Champagne. Wine goes through the fermentation process twice. During the second fermentation, while the wine is already in its bottle, wine makers add sugar and yeast. They produce carbon dioxide making the liquid sparkling forming bubbles while sugar transforms into alcohol. Alsace Crmant is typically a sparkling white wine, delicate and light. It is recommended to drink it young as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. Crmant is better served cold at 7C (45F). Crmant from Alsace is inexpensive and is actually an affordable alternative to Champagne.
Read more about Alsace with Amazon.com: - Wines of Alsace by Tom Stevenson
Crmant d'Alsace information :

Name: Location: Crmant d'Alsace Appellation Alsace Controle Alsace region Barr, Bennwihr, Eguisheim. Ingersheim, Riquewihr, Wintzenheim, etc Various 15 million bottles Pinot Blanc
and also Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay
Places:
Soil: Production:
Grapes:
Type of wine:
Delicate sparkling wine

There is also a rose sparkling wine
Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
up to 5 years
2005, 2003
Aromas
Red fruits Apricot Almond Dessert wine
Food:
Cheese:
Langres
Riesling is a traditional grape found along the Rhine river. It was first grown in Germany in the 15th century and in Alsace a few decades later. Riesling covers now roughly 25% of the vineyards in Alsace. Riesling is the most elegant grape of the Alsace region. It gives dry, neat, graceful and well-balanced wine. Riesling is known to be the finest Alsace wine. Wine has a light yellow green colour. Older riesling have strong mineral aromas while younger wines offer flowery notes. Riesling is brilliant with fish, shell-fish, poultry, cold meat and famous Alsatian dishessuch as sauerkraut or smoked ham. A younger Riesling should be served colder (9C - 48F) than an older Riesling (11C - 52F). Riesling should be drunk after 5 years but a wine is already very good after one or two years. Riesling grapes grow now in many locations in the US, South Africa, Australia, Bulgaria, Slovakia and beyond. Do not confuse with German Riesling which is mostly a sweet wine but can also be a dry or a sparkling wine.
Read more about Alsace with Amazon.com : - Wines of Alsace by Tom Stevenson
Riesling wine information :

Name: Location: Places: Riesling Appellation Alsace Controle In the Rhine valley Ammerschwihr, Dambach, Eguisheim, Wettolsheim, etc Limestone Clayey-limestone 3,280 ha (8,100 acres)
Soil:
Size:
Production: Grape: Type of wine:
36 million bottles Riesling Elegant dry white wine 2 to 10 years

(5 to 15 years for grains nobles Riesling)
Age:
Vintages:
(recommended)
2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 2000
Riesling Aromas:
Mineral Rose Peach stone Melon sometimes

Fish (recommended) Seafood and Shellfish Sauerkraut Coq au Riesling
Riesling and Food:
Cheese:
Morbier (young Riesling) Parmesan
Cte Rtie is one of the oldest vineyards in France. It was set up by the Romans. The Cte Rtie with its hills bathed in sun, produces a warm, robust, full-bodied, richly colored red wine. Harsh and dark when they are young those wines become softer and develop with age an excellent bouquet. Two grape-varieties dominate the production,Viognier and Syrah. Wines of Cte Rtie are often considered as the best Ctes du Rhne. Some Cte Rtie wine makers and lovers use to split the best of the wines into brown Cte Rtie and blonde Cte Rtie. Browns are stronger and mature longer, blondes are more delicate. Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Cte Rtie wine information :
Name: Appellation Cte Rtie Controle
North part of Rhone Valley, around Vienne city, on the right bank of the river
Location:
Places:
Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhne, Ampuis and Tupin-Semons Granite

Clay or sand
Soil:

(recommended)
200 ha (500 acres)
1.1 million bottles

Only red wine !
Syrah 80% Viognier 20%

Full-body red wine 8 to 15 years
2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1991
Aromas in Cte Rtie:
Raspberry Spice Vanilla Roasted lamb Roasted duck Venison St Marcellin
Food:
Cheese:
Condrieu is regarded as an exceptional but hard-to-find wine. Condrieu is one of the best white wine in Ctes du Rhne. The vineyards cover only 105 hectares. The single grape variety used in Condrieu is viognier. Condrieu is a full-body white wine, rich in alcohol, but with a strong flavor and round in the mouth. Condrieu exhales apricot, pear and almond aromas. Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Condrieu wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Condrieu: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
Appellation Condrieu Controle

Right bank of Rhone river, 10km south of Vienne
Condrieu, Ampuis, Chavanay and 3 other villages
Granite 110 ha (270 acres)
500,000 bottles Viognier

Full-body white wine 2 to 4 years
2005, 2004, 2003
Aromas in Condrieu:
Apricot
Pear Almond Violets

Food:
Grilled fish Bass Grilled haddock Pont l'Evque Beaufort Abondance
Cheese:
Chteau Grillet is the only appellation in France provided by a single one winery. With 3,5ha/8.6acres, Chteau Grillet is also one the smallest! Chteau Grillet is much like Condrieu, a full-body aromatic white wine made with Viognier. Because of the compact terroir, the wine is often outstanding, simply one of the best in France. Chteau Grillet is supposed to be an unique wine: both dry and sweet at the same time! However the price prevents wine lovers from tasting the experience. Chteau Grillet costs at least $100 a bottle. Read more about Ctes du Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - Rhone Valley: The 90 Greatest Wines Chteau Grillet wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Appellation Chteau Grillet Controle
Right bank of Rhone river, close to Condrieu
2 villages: Vrin and Saint Michel sur Rhne
Soil: Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Granite and sand 3.5 ha (less than 9 acres)
13,000 bottles Viognier

Full flavor dry white wine
5 to 15 years and more
2005, 2004, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1990
Aromas:
Apricot Peach Truffle Foie gras Fish Roquefort
Food:
Cheese:
The "Coteaux (slope) de l'Hermitage" dominates the small town of Tain l'Hermitage in the Rhne Valley. The first plantations date from the 10th century but it is under Louis the XIV that l'Hermitage obtains its credential letters... Hermitage was the favorite cru of the Tsar court in Russia. The red wines of Hermitage are generous and well balanced, strong aromas and a complete bouquet. Hermitage wines tolerate aging very well and become smooth and mellow when they mature. Read more about Ctes du Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - Rhone Valley: The 90 Greatest Wines Hermitage wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Hermitage: Appellation Hermitage Controle
Right bank of Rhone river, in Drme department Tain-lHermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage
Granite and gravels 140 ha (345 acres)
730,000 bottles
Mostly red wines
Red: Syrah
Marsanne and Roussane 15% White: Roussane Marsanne
Type of wines:
Powerful full-body red wine

Full body white wine
Age of Hermitage:
Red: 10 to 20 years and more
White: 7 to 15 years
Vintages:
(recommended)
Red: 2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988
White: 2005, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995
Red: Red berries Chocolate Aromas in Hermitage: Leather

White: Vanilla Lime flowers White flowers
Food:
Red: Game T-bone steak Beef stew

White: Lobster Fish sauce hollandaise
Red: Brie de Meaux Cheese:

White: Beaufort Cantal Comt
Crozes Hermitage is the largest of all the northern appellations ofCtes du Rhne. The vineyards lay around Hermitage, where the soil is richer and easier to work with. Crozes Hermitage wines are less robust then Hermitage. Nevertheless, they are very aromatic and fruity. Compared to the price of Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage is still affordable and offers great value for your money and your palate! Crozes Hermitage can be drunk young. Read more about Ctes du Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - Rhone Valley: The 90 Greatest Wines Crozes Hermitage wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Crozes Hermitage: Appellation Crozes Hermitage Controle
Right bank of Rhone river, in Drme department
11 villages including Tain-lHermitage, Mercurol and Larnage Granite and gravels 1,300 ha (3,200 acres)
8 million bottles
90% red wine
Red: Syrah
Marsanne and Roussane 15% White: Roussane Marsanne
Type of wines:
Fruity red wine
Age: Vintages:
(recommended)
2 to 6 years
2005, 2004
Aromas:
Black currant Cinnamon Red: Game birds Steak tartare Meatballs Grilled red meat Red: Emmental Gruyre Lacandou
Food:
Cheeses with Crozes Hermitage:
The Ctes du Rhne appellation is a very large one with about 10,000 vine growers for 250 million bottles and more. Vineyards are mostly in the southern part of the Rhne Valley. Wines of Ctes du Rhne are very diverse although 95% of the production is red. They can be tannic and robust, or fruity and light. Primeur wines - as in Beaujolais - are increasingly popular. They are very fruity and fresh and should be drunk now - from the 3rd week of November.
Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Ctes du Rhne AOC wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Appellation Ctes du Rhne Controle
Along the Rhne river mostly in the south part of the Rhne region
171 villages Clay Clayey-limestone Stones
Soil:
Size: Production: Grapes in Rhne:
40,000 ha (100,000 acres)

1,500 wineries
2,000,000 hl
95% red wine !
Red: Grenache (40%) Syrah Mourvdre

Carignan Cinsault
Type of wines:
Light to medium fruity red wine

Dry white Dry ros
Age:
Red: 2 to 5 years
White: 1 to 3 years Ros: drink young
Vintages:
(recommended)
2003, 2000
Aromas:
Red Fruits Cherry Violets Beef steak Roasted pork
Food:
Grilled white meat Hamburger Brie Coulommiers Gaperon
Cheese:
Ctes du Rhne Villages

Inside the Ctes du Rhne generic appellation, the Ctes du Rhne Villages label applies to a limited number of villages based on their history, quality and specificity. The best of them can even add the name of the village after "Ctes du Rhne" (see below). The Ctes du Rhne Villages wines are medium body, most of the time spicy, very diverse from one area to another: rich and able to age in Vinsobres, very fruity ros in Chusclan, red and white sweet liquorous in Rasteau, spicy red in Cairanne, etc. Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Ctes du Rhne Villages wine information :
Appellation Ctes du Rhne Villages Controle
Name:
Appellation Appellation Ctes du Rhne Villages "name of the village" Controle

16 villages can include their name: 2/3 of the Ctes du Rhne Villages production
Location:
Along the Rhne river, inside Ctes du Rhne AOC 75 villages Cairanne, Rasteau, Vinsobres, Laudun, Baumes de Venise, Chusclan, etc
Places:
Soil:
Clay Clayey-limestone Stones 4,500 ha (11,000 acres)
Size: Production: Grapes in Rhne:
19 million bottles
small white and ros production
Grenache (50%) Syrah Mourvdre

Medium body fruity red wines 2 to 6 years

(recommended)
2006, 2005, 2003
Aromas in Rhne:
Cranberry Violets Cinnamon Roasted beef Lamb chops Rabbit Bleu d'Auvergne Camembert Fourme d'Ambert
Food:
Cheese:
Gigondas vineyards lay at the bottom of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a great scenery for a good value wine in the Rhone Valley. The history of Gigondas wine traces back to the Romans. They take advantage of the mediterranean weather and of the red clay soil. Gigondas wine is robust, well-balanced and aromatic. Gigondas can be seen as an alternative to the expensive Chteauneuf du Pape. Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Gigondas wine information :
Name: Location: Places: Soil: Size: Production: Grapes in Gigondas: Type of wines: Age: Appellation Gigondas Controle
South part of the Rhone valley in Vaucluse department, east of Orange city
Gigondas Red clay 1,240 ha (3,000 acres)
5.5 million bottles Grenache

Syrah Mourvdre
Full body red wine
3 to 12 years
2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
Vintages:
(recommended)
Aromas:
Licorice Red fruits Spices Game Beef Stroganoff Spare ribs St Marcellin Roquefort Epoisses
Food:
Cheese with Gigondas:
Chateauneuf du Pape
The Chteauneuf du Pape is the most famous Ctes du Rhne wine. The "Coteaux" (slope) of Chteauneuf du Pape is between Orange and Avignon cities, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. The Popes used to have their summer residence there in Chteauneuf du Pape (Pope in french). The Chteauneuf du Pape wine is thick, harsh, powerful and richly colored. Red wine only, it is elaborated with 13 authorized and controlled grape-varieties among which Syrah, Grenache and Clairette. Read more about Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - The Wines of the Northern Rhne Chteaneuf du Pape wine information :
Name: Location: Appellation Chteauneuf du Pape Controle Just a few miles north of Avignon city
Places:
Chteauneuf du Pape and Orange, Sorgues, Courthzon Quartz stones Sandy red clay 3,100 ha (7,600 acres)
Soil:
Size: Production: Grapes in Chteauneuf: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
13.5 million bottles

only 1% white wine !
13 grape varieties:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvdre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Cournoise, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Roussanne, Terret Noir, Picardan, Vaccarese
Full body red wine
5 to 20 years
2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1988
Aromas:
Vanilla Red fruits Cinnamon Roasted beef Game Coq au vin (coq au vin recipe) Roquefort St Marcellin Langres Maroilles
Food:
Cheese:
Ctes du Ventoux
Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous mountains in France (2,000 m, 6300ft) and marks the gate between Rhne and Provence. The weather in Ctes du Ventoux is very hot in the summer but cold in the winter and windy with the "mistral" blowing almost all the time! The poor limestone soil of Ctes du Ventoux gives a fruity red wine, easy to drink and to appreciate. A good value wine. Read more about Ctes du Rhne wines with Amazon.com : - Rhone Valley: The 90 Greatest Wines Ctes du Ventoux wine information :
Name: Location: Appellation Ctes du Ventoux Controle
South side of Mont Ventoux in Vaucluse

About 50 villages Caromb, Mormoiron, Mazan, Roussillon, etc
Places:
Soil: Size:
Limestone 7,000 ha (17,000 acres) 4 million bottles

85% red wine
Production:
Grapes in Ventoux: Type of wines: Age: Vintages:

(recommended)
Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvdre

and Picpoul, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Ugni blanc, etc
Fruity red wine
Drink young
1 to 3 years
2005
Aromas: Food:
Red fruits Quince Grilled red meat White meat Banon Picodon
Cheese:
The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful French wine regions
West side of the Loire Valley (around Nantes) : Muscadet
Anjou Saumur : Anjou - Coteaux du Layon - Saumur Touraine : Touraine - Bourgueil - Vouvray East side of the Loire Valley : Pouilly Fum - Sancerre About the Loire Valley : Wines of Loire - Loire wine information - Loire region - Wine making in Loire - Loire wine and food - Buy Loire wines - Loire Valley main page Other French wine regions : Alsace - Bordeaux - Burgundy - Champagne - Corsica - Ctes du Rhne - Languedoc-Roussillon - Provence - South West
Coteaux du Layon is the widest wine area of the Anjou region. Along the Layon river, the vines are protected by the hills in this lovely contryside. Although wine makers produce a good semi-dry white wine, Coteaux du Layon is well known for the sweet white wine and for at least 15 centuries ! The most reputed of all is the sweet wine coming from Chaume. The vine growers leave the grapes in their vines until they begin to over-ripe. They are then ready to harvest. It means that harvest take place in Coteaux du Layon later than other places in the Loire valley. Coteaux du Layon wine information :
Name:
Appellation Coteaux du Layon Controle

Appellation Coteaux du Layon Villages Controle Appellation Chaume Premier Cru Controle South of Angers city and West of Saumur, along the Layon river Rochefort sur Loire, Saint Lambert du Lattay, Beaulieu sur Layon, Saint Aubin de Luign, Faye d'Anjou Concourson sur Layon, etc
Location:
Places:

(recommended)
Schist 1,800 ha (4,450 acres)
7 million bottles Chenin blanc

Sweet white wine
Semi-dry white wine
10 to 20 years
2005, 2003, 1997, 1995, 1990, 1989
Aromas:
Honey Fig Acacia Dessert wine Livarot Maroilles Pont l'Eveque
Food:
Cheese:
Saumur
In Saumur, wine makers build caves in the chalky soil so that wine can rest in stable condition. If you visit the area, we recommend you visit one of these caves (called "tuffeau" in french). Wine makers produce red, dry white and sparkling white and ros wines. Red wines are fruity and light. The ones from Saumur Champigny are among the best red wines in the Loire Valley. Sparkling wines take advantage of the chalky soil and of the caves mentioned above. They can be a cheaper alternative to Champagne. White wines from Saumur are nervous and can age a few years in a cellar.
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Loire by Hugh Palmer, Jeff Bentley 275 color illustrations Over 30 villages of the Loire Valley Special wine section inside!
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Saumur wine information :

Appellation Saumur Champigny Controle Appellation Saumur Controle Appellation Cabernet de Saumur Controle Appellation Coteaux de Saumur Controle Appellation Saumur Rouge Controle Appellation Saumur Blanc Controle Appellation Saumur Brut Controle
Name:
Location:
South East of Angers city, on the left bank of the river, and East of Coteaux du Layon and Anjou. Saumur, Le Puy Notre Dame, Varrains, Vaudelnay, Saint Cyr en Bourg, Turquant, Champigny, Dampierre sur Loire, etc
Places:
Soil:
Chalk Limestone 4,000 ha (9,900 acres)
Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines:
20 million bottles Red: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon White: Chenin blanc, Chardonnay
Fruity red wine Dry white wine Dry sparkling white wine Red: 2 to 8 years White: 1 to 3 years Red: 2003 White: 2005
Age:
Vintages:
(recommended)
Sparkling wine: White flowers Brioche

Aromas:
White wine: Apple Broom Red wine: Red fruits Licorice
Food:
Various Red: Chabichou du Poitou Crottin de Chavignol
Cheese:
Saint Nectaire Valencay
Touraine is a huge wine area, just at the centre of the Loire Valley. It is also the place where you can find most of the famous Chteaux de la Loire. All kind of wines are produced in Touraine. Red wines from Touraine are predominantly made from Gamay grapes. The other place where we can find Gamay is in Beaujolais where it is the only grape used. Here in Touraine, Gamay is used with Cabernet, from Bordeaux, and Pinot Noir, from Burgundy. It means that red wine from Touraine is a great condensed french wine However Gamay wines in Touraine do not taste that good. More and more, wine makers use Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir to bring balance to the wine.
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Touraine wine information :
Appellation Touraine Controle

Name:
Appellation Touraine Mesland Controle Appellation Touraine Azay le Rideau Controle Appellation Touraine Noble Jou Controle Appellation Touraine Amboise Controle
Location:
At the heart of the Loire valley, around the city of Tours and close to the Chteaux de la Loire
Noyers sur Cher, Meusnes, Saint Georges sur Cher, Pouill, Chatillon sur Cher, Amboise, Limeray, Cheill
Places:
Soil:
Sand Clay Limestone 6,000 ha (15,000 acres)
Size: Production:
26 million bottles Red and ros: Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Pineau White: Chenin blanc, Sauvignon
Light and fruity red wine Light and fresh dry white wine Medium ros Sparkling red, ros and white wines
Grapes:
Type of wines:
Age:
Red: 2 to 7 years White: 1 to 4 years Ros: drink now and up to 2 years

2005, 2003
Vintages:
(recommended)
Aromas:
Red: Red fruits Black fruits Raspberry White: Menthol Vanilla Litchee
Food:
Red: Red meat White: Aperitif Red: Boursin Camembert Chabichou du Poitou Saint Nectaire Valencay White: Maconnais Cheddar
Cheese:
Bourgueil is a terroir of red wine, similar to Chinon. You need to be an expert to distinguish the one from the other. This is because Bourgueil and Chinon share the same terroir specificity, history and wine making tradition. It seems that some Bourgueil wines mature longer than their Chinon neighbor. Specially the ones coming from the south of the appellation and called "vins de cotes". Bourgueil is often compared to the wines from Mdoc in Bordeaux. Cabernet grapes are used to make both wines.
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Bourgueil wine information :
Name: Location:
Appellation Bourgueil Controle Appellation Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Controle

West of Tours city, and East of Saumur
Places:
Bourgueil, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil and Restign, Benais,

Ingrandes de Touraine
Soil:
Limestone Sand Gravel 1,200 ha (2,900 acres)

(recommended)
9 million bottles Cabernet Franc (or Petit Breton)

Fruity red wine
Dry ros (less than 5% of the production)
Bourgueil: 3 to 10 years
Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil: 2 to 5 years
2003, 1997
Aromas:
Red fruits Black currant Green capsicum
Food:
With a starter Port Salut Reblochon Saint Nectaire Valencay Gouda
Cheese:
Vouvray
There is not only one Vouvray but several different Vouvrays. The wine can be sweet, flavored or full-body and dry. But one can say that Vouvray is always at its best. The sweet wine has a golden color, is vigorous, fruity and fresh. The dry and semi dry are rich and intense. There is also a sparkling wine in Vouvray. It is fruity as well - a trademark of the Vouvray terroir in the Loire Valley - and can mature for a few years which is quite uncommon for a sparkling wine. Vouvray is definitely an unique wine, well more accurately, Vouvray are a few unique wines ! Vouvray wine information :
Appellation Vouvray Controle

Right bank of the Loire river Close to Tours city and the Chteaux of Loire
8 villages: Vouvray, Rochecorbon, Vernou sur Brenne, etc Clayey limestone Chalk 2,000 ha (4,900 acres)
Soil:
Size: Production: Grapes: Type of wines:
13 million bottles Chenin blanc (Pineau blanc de la Loire)

Sweet viscous white wine Dry white wine Semi dry white wine Sparkling white wine Sweet: sometimes over a century ! Dry: 5 to 25 years Semi-dry: drink now and up to 5 years Sparkling: 1 to 4 years
Age:
Vintages:
(recommended)
2005, 2003, 1997, 1995, 1990, 1989
Aromas:
Quince Honey Almond Chicken in white sauce Veal in white sauce Fruits Cabcou Camembert Crottin de Chavignol Livarot
Food:
Cheese:
Pouilly Fum has an unusual flavor for a dry white wine: a strong flavor of musk and smoked. Pouilly sur Loire is a different wine made with Chasselas grape variety. It should be drunk young. When the phylloxera destroyed all the vines 2 centuries ago, vine growers replace them with Sauvignonto create the Pouilly Fum. Nowadays Pouilly sur Loire makes less than 5% of the production of Pouilly. Pouilly is very close from Sancerre, just on the other side of the river. However both wines are a little bit different. Pouilly Fum is probably thicker, deeper and has more structure. Do not confuse Pouilly Fum with Pouilly Fuiss, a white wine from Burgundy. Pouilly Fum wine information :
Appellation Pouilly Fum Controle

Eastern part of the Loire Valley East of Sancerre and Bourges
Pouilly sur Loire, Saint Andelain, Tracy sur Loire, etc Limestone Clayey-limestone 850 ha (2,100 acres)
Soil:
Size: Production:
6 million bottles
White wine only!
Grapes:
Pouilly Fum: Sauvignon Pouilly sur Loire: Chasselas

(recommended)
Thick dry white wine
1 to 5 years
2003
Aromas:
Smoked Broom Acacia Salmon Chicken Veal Aperitif Crottin de Chavignol
Food:
Cheese:
Sancerre is one of the most famous white wines in France. Sancerre is also a very nice village with a typical castle in the Loire valley. Sancerre white wine is more delicate than close-by Pouilly Fum. Sancerre matures a little bit faster than its neighbor. Although wine tasters need to differentiate the Sancerre wines coming from marl terroir and the ones coming from limestone vineyards. The first are fruity and well balanced, the second are full flavored but less stable.
Sancerre is produced on 15 villages. The wines coming from Bu and Chavignol are the best. Sancerre wine information :
Name: Location:
Appellation Sancerre Controle

North-east of Bourges city, in the east part of the Loire Valley, on the left bank of the river Bannay, Bu, Chavignol, Crzancy, Menetou-Ratel, Mntrol, Montigny, St-Satur, Ste-Gemme, Sancerre, Sury-en-vaux, Thauvenay, Veaugues, Verdigny and Vinon
Places:

(recommended)
Marl (called "white soil") Limestone

2,200 ha (5,400 acres)
16 million bottles Sauvignon Blanc

Nervous dry white wine
Light and flavored red wine
1 to 5 years
2005, 2003
Aromas:
Grapefruit (and citrus) White flowers Shellfish Trout Fish Chabichou du Poitou Crottin de Chavignol Pouligny Saint Pierre
Food:
Cheese:
Valencay
Muscadet is produced in 4 wine terroirs around the city of Nantes, in the West of the Loire Valley. The Muscadet Svre et Maine is the most important and the best of them. In the Muscadet region, wine makers use to leave the grape juice to rest during winter before putting the wine in bottle. Muscadet is a dry white wine that is a fine companion to shellfish. The quality of Muscadet varies very much from one winery to another.
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Muscadet wine information :

Appellation Muscadet Controle
Name:
Appellation Muscadet Svre et Maine Controle Appellation Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire Controle Appellation Muscadet Ctes de Grandlieu Controle Around the city of Nantes, from Ancenis to the Atlantic coast Vallet, La Haye Fouassire, Le Landreau, Mouzillon, La Chapelle Heulin, Chteau Thbaud, Maisdon sur Svre, Le Landreau, Saint Philbert de
Location: Places:
Grand Lieu

(recommended)
Granite 12,500 ha (30,900 acres)
almost 100 million bottles Melon (or Muscadet)

Dry white wine
also sweet white wine
Drink now and up to 2 years
2005
Aromas:
White flowers Anise Citrus Oysters Shellfish Aperitif Nantais
Food:
Cheese:
Anjou wines are made around the city of Angers. They were very popular as soon as in the 6th century. During the 13th and 14th centuries, Anjou was one of the most popular wines in England. And then in Holland and Belgium. Nowadays Anjou is famous for the ros d'Anjou. Ros wine makes about half of the production in Anjou. However we should
recommend the white wine from Anjou. New techniques and aging in oak barrel have improved the wine. Red wine from Anjou Villages deserve as well a special note.
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Anjou wine information :

Appellation Anjou Rouge Controle Appellation Anjou Gamay Controle Appellation Anjou Villages Controle Appellation Cabernet d'Anjou Controle Appellation Ros d'Anjou Controle Appellation Anjou Blanc Controle Appellation Anjou Mousseux Controle Covers Maine et Loire department, west of Touraine Beaulieu sur Layon, Thouarc, Martign Briand, Saint Lambert du Lattay, La Pommeraye, Faye d'Anjou, Rochefort sur Loire, Rablay sur Layon, Brissac Quinc
Name:
Location:
Places:
Soil: Size: Production:
Various 9,000 ha (22,200 acres)
55 million bottles Ros and red: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau White: Chenin blanc, Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Sweet ros
Grapes:
Type of
wines:
Dry white wine Light and medium body red wine Red: 2 to 6 years White: 1 to 3 years Ros: now to 2 years
Age:
Vintages:
(recommended)
2005, 2003
Aromas:
Red: Black currant and black fruits Red fruits

White: White flowers Apricot Crystallized fruit
Red: Red meat

Food:
White: Fish Ros: Cold meat
White: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese: Red: Camembert Crottin de Chavignol
Champagne map
Read more about Champagne with Amazon.com : - World Encyclopedia of Champagne by Tom Stevenson About Champagne : Champagne Wine Map - Champagne information - Champagne region Champagne wine history - Wine making in Champagne - Wine classification - Champagne and food - Tasting Champagne - Buy Champagne - Champagne main page
Champagne wine, as we know it today, was created by a monk called Dom Perignon during the 17th century. He managed to understand the typical fermentation, mix the grape varieties, invent the cork and add sugar which dissolve the carbonic gas in the wine. Summer and fall are quite sunny. The grapes in Champagne benefit from a lot of light. The soil made of chalk reflects the sunlight into the the grapes. The chalky soil is ideal for Champagne wine. It absorbs water during winter and gives it back to the vine's roots during summer. The other way around, it absorbs heat during summer to give it back during winter. The soil of Champagne is very famous for the cellars winemakers have built. They are about 200 kilometers of cellars dig in the chalk soil. They use these cellars to store the bottles at the perfect temperature and humidity level. Winemakers use 3 types of grape to produce Champagne. Chardonnay is a white grape. Chardonnay is the typical grape used in great Burgundy white wines. Pinot Noir is a red grape traditionally used in Burgundy to make their famous red wines. Pinot Meunier is a red grape mostly used in Champagne. Pinot Meunier gives a less delicate wine and is mostly used to make second grade Champagne. - Chardonnay provides freshness and elegance - Pinot Meunier brings fruitiness and aromas - Pinot Noir gives body and structure The three main areas in Champagne are : - Montagne de Reims : south of Reims city, where the best Pinot Noir grow - Cote des Blancs : south of Epernay city, where the best Chardonnay grow
- Valle de la Marne : west of Epernay city, where the best Pinot Meunier grow It is one of the main reason why winemakers blend grapes from these 3 different terroirs to come up with the best grape juices. More : Champagne wine making process Other types of Champagne: Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noir and ros Champagne Some winemakers keep the tradition of making traditional wines in Champagne.
Champagne wine making information :
Size of the vineyards: Vineyards: Soil: Weather: Grapes in Champagne: Production: Type of Wine:
35,000 hectares (85,000 acres)
15,000 wine growers, 300 wineries
Chalk
Continental, cool winter, sunny summer and fall
Chardonnay (26%), Pinot Meunier (36%), Pinot Noir (38%)
250 million bottles Sparkling wine
Winner of the Louis Roederer International Champagne Writer of the Year Award 2005 4000 Champagnes, unprecedented in scope, plunges readers into the culture, history, and potential of this treasured beverage. Rich in description and practical in its application, 4000 Champagnes is divided into two main sections. The first is a passionate and comprehensive account of the Champagne region and its wines. It includes chapters on champagne's history, winemaking methodology, growing conditions, food matches, labels, a tour of the towns and villages of the French region, and sparkling wines from across the globe. In the book's groundbreaking and expansive section of tasting notes, Richard Juhlin provides the reader with practical information culled from his personal experiences at over 4000 tastings. A detailed portrait of each champagne house precedes a rating and description of each of the wines tasted there. Such depth of insight from a single source has never before been available. Written in Juhlin's authoritative and often humorous voice, 4000 Champagnes is an indispensable buying and tasting tool and an entertaining account of the history of champagne. The book includes several "best champagnes" lists, champagne statistics, telephone numbers and addresses of thousands of champagne producers, and a glossary. 4000 Champagnes is the supreme guide to a drink that has come to epitomize luxury and elegance.
About the Author

Richard Juhlin has been hailed "The Champagne King" by the likes of Henri Krug and Christian Pol-Roger. A celebrated Swedish champagne expert, Juhlin was a principal organizer for the famous Millennium tasting. Juhlin's published works include La Grande Dgustation and 2000 Champagnes, and he holds the world record for the most champagnes ever tasted.
The first wine was made in Champagne about 2,000 years ago. Champagne was already famous in the middle-age. But it was not the same wine we use to drink these days. At that time, wine was red or white not sparkling, quite similar to wine from Burgundy.
People used barrels to ship their wines. They noticed that the next Spring season following the harvest, the wine tended to foam. It was not good for business. The first Champagne was made in the 17th century. A monk called Dom Perignon was the first to understand the process of Champagne fermentation and to elaborate the process. He managed to mix red and white grapes from different villages and therefore perfected the way winemakers at that time used to produce sparkling wine. Nowadays, Champagne is a festive wine. But a few traditional wines from Champagne are still available. Champagne wine making - Champagne process - Other types of Champagne
How Champagne is made ? 1: alcoholic fermentation Conversion of natural sugar into alcohol, the grape juice turns into still wine. 2: assembling the wine Liquid from different harvests, from different areas are blend together. 3: bottling The Champagne is put in bottle with yeast and sugar. 4: malolactic fermentation he yeasts turn sugar into alcohol and CO2. The carbon dioxide (CO2) cannot escape from the bottle and is dissolved in the Champagne, forming the bubbles.
5: maturation Champagne bottles are stored horizontally in natural cool and dark chalk cellar for 1 to 3 years. 6: dgorgement During maturation, the winemaker rotates the bottles every day to remove the lees.
Other types of Champagne

Blanc de Blancs : This Champagne is made only with Chardonnay (white grape). There are only a few bottles made and there are quite expensive. The wine is more delicate than regular Champagne. It is the best aperitif wine available in France. Blanc de Noirs : This Champagne is made with black grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Most of the time, there is only Pinot Noir. Very few bottles are available, even less than Blanc de blancs. Champagne Ros : Pink Champagne is made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Winemakers add a little bit of red wine during blending. Red wine is usually coming from Bouzy, a typical Pinot Noir still wine from Champagne. Do not confuse Pink Champagne with Ros des Riceys which is a true ros wine.
Wines in Champagne
Wine in Champagne region was famous even before the first Champagne as we know it today was made. Nowadays, beside Champagne, winemakers still produce a few traditional wines. Ros des Riceys is a ros and was one of the favorite wine of King Louis the XIV. It is one of the best ross in the country. Winemakers use Pinot Noir. Ros des Riceys should be drunk young. Wine from Coteaux Champenois are usually red but there are some white and a few ross. The most famous is the red wine from Bouzy. There, winemakers use traditional ways to work the vines and produce their wines. There are the only one in France to work the same way that people did 5 or 10 centuries ago. Red wines are Pinot Noir and should be drunk young. Typical aromas are raspberry, black currant and vanilla.
Many winemakers in the world use Champagne to brand their sparkling wines. However there is of course only one real Champagne wine. In the European Union, only wines coming from the Champagne region can wear the name Champagne on the label. In the area, 300 established wineries, known as "crus", produce Champagne. There are basically two different kinds of Champagne. Vintage: the bottle of Champagne wears a vintage year on the label. However they are not made every year but only when the wine is good enough. They are the best Champagne specially Tte de Cuve or Premium vintage such as the most famous Dom Perignon.
Non-vintage: they make more than 80 percent of all Champagne bottles. Winemakers mix different harvests from different places. They mature in cellar for 2 to 3 years before going into the market. They should stay in your cellar for one to two years before drinking them. There are 3 AOC (wine grade classification) in the region : - Champagne - Coteaux Champenois (traditional red wine) - Ros des Riceys (one of the best french ros)
Champagne is usually served alone as festive wine. Therefore nothing distract the taster from exploring the aromas of the wine. However Champagne is a perfect match with many meals and dishes such as: Foie gras Smoked salmon Lobster in white sauce Oysters Caviar
Food from Champagne : - Agneau la champenoise (stuffed shoulder of lamb with tomatoes) - Pork chops grilled - game: wild boar, guinea fowl, pheasant - fish: eel, trout
- pork: ham, salami, andouillete, boudin blanc (white pudding)

with Cuisine-France, French cooking and recipes
Cheeses in Champagne : - Langres - Chaource - Brie de Meaux

with Cheese-France, the French Cheese Guide
About Champagne : A Champagne bottle should mature in a cellar for one to two years. Vintage bottles - the ones wearing a vintage year on their label can mature longer. Champagne winemakers use to mature them from 3 to 8 years. It is not recommended to leave in a refrigerator for more than 3 days a bottle already opened, even with a teaspoon inside. The best vintage years are 1990, 1989, 1985 and specially 1982. There are several different kinds of Champagne according to your taste: - Doux (means sweet), 4% and more of sugar - Demi-sec (fairly sweet), 2.5 to 5% of sugar - Sec (sweet/dry), 1.75 to 2.5% of sugar - Extra sec (medium dry), 1.5 to 2% of sugar - Brut (dry), 0.5 to 1.5% of sugar, the most common Champagne these days - Extra brut (very dry), 0 to 0.5% of sugar Tasting Champagne :
Champagne is traditionally served in a typical glass called flute or in a tulip: a long stem with a tall glass. This kind of glass prevents the aromas to unfold. The height of the glass is necessary for the bubbles to rise to the surface and keep a constant temperature. It is not recommended to pour Champagne to the top of the glasses but only up to 2/3 of the glass. Champagne is always served cold and chilled. But not too cold, otherwise the wine is not able to release its aromas. A non-vintage Champagne should be drunk at 8 C (46 F). A vintage Champagne at 10 C (50 F).
Champagne information
Champagne is one of the most well known wines in the world. Champagne is definitely a festive wine. The champagne region spreads in the North East of France, around the cities of Reims and Epernay. There are basically 3 different areas in the Champagne wine region : - Montagne de Reims - Cte des Blancs - Marne Valley The most basic information on the wine of Champagne are :
Location:
East of Paris, and West of Alsace

Champagne region information
Size: Size of the vineyards: Grapes in Champagne: Production:
25,000 km2 (size of the Champagne Ardennes region) 35,000 hectares (85,000 acres)
Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
250 million bottles

Champagne wine making
Type of Wine: Champagne and food:
Sparkling wine
Oysters, Caviar, Foie gras, Smoked Salmon

Champagne and food
Geography of Champagne : Champagne region is located East of Paris, along the Marne, Vesle and Aisne rivers. The wine region starts 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Paris, around the city of Meaux and stretches along the Marne river to the city of Epernay. Champagne spreads on 3 districts: Marne, Aube and Aisne. The heartland of the Champagne region is Marne which can be separated into 3 areas: Montagne de Reims, Valle de la Marne and Cote des Blancs.
Weather is quite special in Champagne. Winter is cool, summer and fall are sunny. The average temperature in the region is around 11 to 12 C (52 to 53.5 F). Champagne is the most up north wine region in France. Sparkling wine usually come from areas where grapes don't have enough sun to ripe according to other wine standards. The soil is chalky which is what is needed for Champagne wine. Champagne Region Information :
Location: Size: Weather:
East of Paris, along the Marne river 25,000 km2 (size of the Champagne Ardennes region) Continental, cool winter, sunny summer and fall
Population: 1.2 million (population of Champagne region) Main Cities: Reims (185,000) Troyes (60,000) Chalons en Champagne (50,000) Epernay (25,000) Places of Interest: Reims cathedral Cellars (originally chalk mines) Champagne Wine Road Troyes (ancient houses)

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