French WinesFrench wines are some of the most expensive and exclusive wines in the world. This is especially true of reds that come from the
Bordeaux region. Small
chateau wines and large
vineyard wines alike are carefully grown and expertly produced by winemaking families who have a lifelong commitment to their job.
French wine comes from many different famous wine regions throughout the country. Though many people have a quaint view of
French wine produced in prominent chateaus, today’s reality is that much of
France’s wines are grown in large vineyards in wine country. It is customary for any French estate that produces wine to prefix the winery’s name with the word chateau, which has likely led to the common misconception. Some of the most famous wine producing regions in France include
Alsace,
Bordeaux,
Burgundy,
Champagne,
Rhone, and
Provence. Alsace produces mainly
white French wines along with a few reds and
rosés.
Bordeaux is a large
red wine producing region, and is probably the most famous region of
French wine country.
Burgundy, located in eastern France, produces both
red and white wines. The
best Burgundy wines come from the region’s Golden Coast, or Côte d'Or.
Champagne is the French winemaking region where their famous sparkling wines originate. Only sparkling wine that originates in this region may be called champagne. Otherwise it is referred to simply as sparkling wine, or prosecco. The Rhone region is best known for producing red wines, just like
Bordeaux. Finally, the French Provence wine making region is famous for producing rosés as well as reds. Such a vast quantity of wine is produced in France since it is the original source for many of today’s worldwide popular grape varieties (including
Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir).
