Glossary of wine names, wine characteristics, special terminology. Wine names, wine characteristics, special terminology Beautiful wine names list
Wine brands
Amantillado- the most famous Spanish sherries with an incomparable nutty bouquet and aroma. Their unique smell is somewhat reminiscent of Mantilla wines made in Mantilla in the Spanish province of Cordoba. This is where their name comes from.
Bardolino- a very light Italian wine, almost pink, produced in the area of the city of the same name near Verona. Aged from one to three years. Has a delightful fruity scent.
Barolo- red wine, considered one of the best European wines. Produced in the Italian province of Piedmont. When stored in bottles, it may form a strong sediment. It is recommended to store bottles in an upright position.
Bonet- red and white French wine, belongs to Burgundy wines, produced in the southern part of Cote-Dore.
Boujolais- special varieties of Burgundy wines, white and red (usually white), are produced in France north of Lyon. Usually served chilled. They are consumed very young, often starting in mid-November in the year of production.
Blanc de blanc- literally: “white wine from light grapes.” Traditionally, this is the name given to certain types of champagne produced from a mixture of light and dark grape varieties or from dark pinot noir grapes. It is also widely used by winemakers producing wines from light grapes not only in the Chardonnay province, but also in Provence, Loire and TA, to increase the prestige of their wine.
Bordeaux wines- red and white wines produced from various grape varieties grown in the Gironde region, around the port city of Bordeaux in the south of France. Bottled in tall, angular bottles.
Burgundy wines- red and white, fine wines produced in Burgundy southeast of Paris. Bottled in specific shaped bottles. The reputation of Burgundy wines is often questioned because they are blended before being bottled. Red Burgundy wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes, while white Burgundy wines are made from Chardonnay.
Valpolicella- Italian red wine produced northeast of Verona at the foot of the Alps. It has a beautiful cherry-red color, a sweetish bouquet, a light fruity aroma and even body. Typically bottled after aging for 18 months in wooden bottles, it matures in bottles that should not be stored for more than five years.
Verdicchio- one of the most famous Italian white wines produced in central Italy in the province of Ancona. Dry pale wine with an intense aroma, bottled in vase-shaped bottles.
Vermouth- fortified white wines flavored with herbs, tannic bark, roots, seeds and spices. Typically used as an apperitif or as part of cocktails. There are two types of vermouths - French, pale in color and completely dry, aged for three or four years, and Italian, dark red and sweet, aged for about two years before bottling. Both varieties of vermouth are produced in France and Italy.
Wines made from sandy grapes- red and white Bordeaux wines made from grapes grown on sandy soils on the left bank of the Garonne River south of Bordeaux. White wines of this type are more common, dry to semi-sweet, pale yellow in color with a pronounced metallic flavor. Red wines of this type are usually called "chateau".
Volney- red Burgundy wines produced near Volney and Meursault in France. White wines of this type are called "merach". These are refined and delicate astringent wines with a subtle aftertaste.
Vouvray- the best of the wines produced on the banks of the Loire River near the city of Tours. One of the most persistent white wines. Depending on the weather and the quality of the grapes, they can be dry and fruity, like Rhine wines, or pale and sparkling.
Cabernet Sauvignon- a strong red wine made from the grape variety of the same name grown in the coastal regions of California in the USA. Many experts consider this persistent and long-maturing wine to be the best in the United States. It is often compared to French Medoc wines made from the same grape variety.
Cote de Nuits- red wines produced in the northern part of the Côte-Dore region in Burgundy. The best wines of this type have vintage names - Chambertin, Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges, etc.
Cotes du Rhone- the general name for red wines bottled in a special shape, produced on both banks of the Rhone River between the cities of Lyon and Avignon. The wines have an intense red color and are quite strong. The best ones have vintage names such as Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Chianti- the best Italian red wine. It is produced in the Italian province of Tuscany, south of Florence, from various grape varieties, bottled in specially shaped bottles covered with straw. Wine is consumed young.
Maconian wines- expensive varieties of wines produced west of the city of Macon, located on the banks of the Saone River in southern Burgundy. Red Maconian wines have a pleasant taste with less pronounced fruit flavor than boujo-le. The most famous is Pouilly-Fuissé.
Marsala- the best of the famous Italian fortified wines produced in the area of the city of the same name in the west of the island of Sicily. Its properties are reminiscent of sherry and are usually served as aperitifs. They have an intense brown color and a molasses (black treacle) smell.
Meursault- dry white Burgundy wine with a nutty flavor, produced in the area of the cities of Meursault and Volney in the Côte de Beaune. It has a greenish-golden color, good body, but slightly harsh taste. Refers to the best Burgundy wines.
Montrachet- a classic white Burgundy wine, perhaps the most famous and expensive of all French white wines. Produced in Côtes de Beaune from Chardonnay grapes. The wine has a slightly golden color with a greenish tint, an unusual soft bouquet and aroma.
Moulin-a-van- the best of red wines of the boujolé type. It has intense color and astringency. After bottling, it is aged for 8 to 10 years, in contrast to the two to three years of aging for a regular boujolé.
Musigny- recognized as one of the best Burgundy wines produced in Côte Dore. Musigny has an attractive subtlety of taste. It is slightly lighter than Chambertin, and is often considered "ladies'."
Muscadet- a delicate light white wine produced in the Loire River valley. The wine has a lighter and more delicate aroma than white Burgundy wines, and a dryish fruity taste.
Nuits-Saint-Georges- a fine red Burgundy wine produced in the city of the same name in the southern part of the Côte de Nuits. This is a soft, well-balanced red wine, reminiscent of red Cote de Nuits in taste, but more persistent. It has a more intense color than red wines like Côtes de Beaune.
Orvieto- Italian light white wine produced in the area of the city of the same name in the center of Italy between Florence and Rome. Vineyards in these places alternate with fields and groups of trees. This sweet wine is bottled in straw-wrapped bottles.
Pomerol- one of the best Bordeaux wines, produced only in the city of the same name, located 25 miles from Bordeaux. It is considered the finest and at the same time the most refined of red Bordeaux wines. Pomerol wine matures quickly (usually within five years, unlike Medoc wines, which take 8-10 years), has a bright red color, a velvety texture and an intense aroma.
Pouilly-fuisse- magnificent, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown west of Macon in the south of Burgundy.
Pouilly-fumé- dry white wine, usually made from light Sauvignon grapes in the Upper Loire Valley. When ripe it has a smoky green color and a spicy taste with a metallic aftertaste. After bottling, it is aged for one to two years.
Rose- this is the designation for rosé wines, the best varieties of which are made from a mixture of dark and light grape varieties, and the skins of the berries are removed shortly after the start of fermentation.
San Emilion- red wines produced in the most fertile part of Burgundy. The best vintage wines of this type are priced slightly lower than Medoc wines. They are refined, tart, warm and ripen slower than Pomerol, but faster than Medoc.
Saint Julien- soft and delicate Bordeaux wines, fuller than Margaux, more fragrant than San Estefe and ripen faster than Pauillac.
Soave- one of the best Italian white wines produced in northern Italy east of Verona at the foot of the Alps. This is a simple, dry, white wine with a distinctive fresh aroma. Bottled in specific green glass bottles. Aging should not exceed three years.
Tavel- one of the most famous rosé wines produced in the Rhone River valley north of Avignon. The wine has an orange-pink color, intense aroma and bouquet. Wines of this type are aged for at least two years.
Sherry- fortified wines of golden amber color, most often used as an aperitif. Traditionally produced in the area of Jerez de la Frontera in south-eastern Spain.
Chablis- dry white Burgundy wines made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes in the area of the town of Chablis, southeast of Paris. They have a pale straw color and a specific “flint” flavor. In the USA and other wine-producing countries, the Chablis type includes a variety of wines made from various grape varieties with varying proportions of Chardonnay grapes.
Chambertin- one of the best red Burgundy wines, produced in limited quantities in the north of Côte-Dore. This is a very expensive, refined and persistent wine, the production of which dates back to 600 AD. Known as the favorite wine of Napoleon and Alexandre Dumas.
Champagne- a general designation for various sparkling wines. In France, champagnes include specific sparkling white wines made from a mixture of different varieties of light grapes growing in a strictly limited area east of Paris. Wines of this type are bottled in uniquely shaped bottles with specific corks, since fermentation occurs inside the bottle itself, and the sediment is removed directly through the neck of an inverted bottle.
Alsace wines- fragrant, dry, usually white wines made in French Alsace from Gewurztraminer and Riesling grapes. Bottled in elongated green glass bottles, similar to bottles for Moselle wines in Germany.
Wine characteristics
Aroma- a key concept that, in combination with a bouquet, determines the composition of the aromas of wine. The aroma is determined, in particular, by the varietal characteristics of a given grape variety.
Bouquet- the bouquet differs from the aroma in that it is formed in the wine during the process of fermentation, blending and maturation. As a rule, young wines are considered to lack bouquet.
Vanilla smell- imparted to wine as a result of the penetration of vanillin into it from the material of oak barrels. Young Burgundy and Bordeaux wines have a milky vanilla aroma. The younger the wood from which the barrel is made, the more intense the vanilla smell. The most intense vanilla aroma is found in the best examples of Californian Char Donnay wines.
Density- a term characterizing the fullness of red wines. On the palate, the thick wine feels refined and full. Thick wines include pinot noir, vintage port and barolo wines.
Completeness- the property of wine to leave a pleasant feeling in the mouth. If the wine does not have this property, then it leaves a taste of acid or bitterness in the mouth. Not all wine varieties have this property.
Acidity- a pleasant feeling of acidity inherent in all wines, without which the taste of the wine seems dull and uninteresting. However, with excess acidity, the wine feels harsh and tasteless.
Sediment- in the best varieties of wine, especially those that improve with aging, sedimentation occurs. In white wines it appears in the form of crystals at the bottom of the bottle, in red wines it appears in the form of large brownish flakes or a thick crust on the glass of the bottle. Sediment indicates the high quality of the wine. Aged wine without sediment on the bottle can cause suspicion.
With proper service in a restaurant, sediment should not fall into the glass. You can make sure of this by asking the waiter to pour the wine. In this case, a small amount of wine without sediment is poured into a glass to taste the aroma. Smudges, or dried traces of wine on the surface of the glass indicate its fullness. The thicker and more uniform the dried smudges look, the higher the fullness of this type of wine. - the concept of fullness includes the degree of impact of wine on the taste organs, its impatience and texture.
Spice- the concept refers to Concord type wines produced from the American grape varieties "Vitis Labrus-ca" in New York State and having a specific spice.
Balance- a harmonious combination of the main indicators in wine - dryness, acidity, aroma, bouquet, fullness and maturity. In a good wine, each of these indicators is combined with others: a sweet wine should have some acidity, a light wine with a weak bouquet should have a relatively low body, a wine with a more intense bouquet should have a higher body.
Spirituality- in most table wines the spirit (alcohol content) ranges from 9 - 13%. Mosel wines have a lower spirituality, while Châteaunay-du-Pape and Barolo wines have a higher spirituality. White wines with higher spirits have greater body and less finesse compared to wines with lower alcohol content. Low spirit wines should be consumed soon after production as they do not ripen well.
Dryness- lack of sweetness in the taste of wine. Common dry wines include Chablis, Muscadet, Verdicchio and Grave.
Astringency- a positive property of white wines, characterizing their dryness and harshness. Connoisseurs use this concept when determining the degree of maturation of wine. The term is most often used to describe wines such as Chablis-grand-cru and other high-quality Burgundy wines.
Subtlety- is a rather subjective assessment of such indicators as fullness, color, maturity. This is an extremely elusive property of fine vintage wines that distinguishes them from all others.
Fruity (fruit) smell- Reminds me of the smell of fresh fruit. Inherent in most young wines, especially the boujo-le type. Wines produced in New York State in the USA, especially tart varieties, have a pronounced fruity aroma.
Color(color) - a good wine should have transparent, unclouded shades of color. Dry white wines should have a greenish-yellowish color, sweeter varieties should have a golden color. Oxidized white wine has a brownish tint. This is a bad sign, indicating his “maderization”. Young red wines have purple hues; when ripe, they acquire brownish tones.
The French phrase "pelure doignon" ("onion skin") refers to the slightly brownish rim observed in healthy vintage wines. You should be wary of drinking wines that have dirty color tones.
Flower smell- floral aromas of wines can be reminiscent of violets, roses or mountain flowers. Wines produced in northern Italy, as well as the best varieties of Mosel wines, have this smell.
France is one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world, annually producing 5-6 billion liters of wine, about 7-6 billion bottles. In terms of the amount of wine produced, France is comparable to (produces 4.796 million tons of wine per year, France - 4.607 million tons, information from 2014). The history of French winemaking stretches back to the 6th century BC, and the beginnings of French winemaking are closely intertwined with the Roman art of wine production. The range of French wines is varied, ranging from luxury wines of international level to inexpensive table wines that can only be bought in France.
Medium and high-level wines are usually divided into categories depending on the place where the grapes are grown (the concept of 'terroir'), as well as depending on the place the wine occupies in the AOC system (Appellation d'origine contrôlée) - a system that protects wine producers from counterfeits and gives the right to name the wine in strict accordance with the place where the grapes grow, the place where the wine is produced and the grape varieties used in the wine. In some cases, we are talking not just about regions, but about specific vineyards in France - this system is so detailed.
France is home to a large number of technical grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah. Now these varieties are grown all over the world. Today, French wines are known internationally primarily due to the exclusive wines produced in the regions of Bordeaux and Burgoudy. In general, today the share of French wine in the international arena is gradually decreasing, as it has to compete with quality wines from the New World (Chile, Argentina, as well as South Africa, Germany and the USA).
A Brief History of French Wine
It is believed that winemaking first appeared on the territory of what is now France in the 6th century BC, when the Greeks began to colonize Gaul. With the advent of a large Greek colony in Marseille, French winemaking began to develop more intensively. The inhabitants of Gaul knew grapes very well, knew how to grow them, and how to prune them correctly. It is the correct pruning that allows the grapes to be called cultivated and not wild. Wines produced in ancient Gaul began to spread throughout the ancient world and became a sought-after commodity.
With the advent of the Roman Empire, winemaking began to develop at an even faster pace. In addition, the Romans at that time (3-5 centuries AD) had advanced winemaking technologies.
In the Middle Ages, winemaking was supervised by monasteries, which created an inextricable connection between wine and religion. In addition, the monasteries were the center of science at that time, the center of literacy, which served to preserve and consolidate traditions, as well as, albeit not quickly, the development of winemaking. Monasteries needed wine not only for services, but also as one of the main sources of income. The best French vineyards of the Middle Ages belonged to the monasteries, and it was the monastery wine that had the highest quality at that time. Over time, the nobility also became interested in vineyards. However, the Great French Revolution led to the massive confiscation of vineyards in favor of the new, “republican” government.
The development of French winemaking was sharply slowed down with the massive death of vineyards in the 19th century due to phylloxera. All the vineyards of Europe are deserted. The subsequent First World War and then the Second World War greatly disrupted the French wine industry. Competitors were also pressing hard: no less old Italian wine, Portuguese and Spanish wine, as well as wines of the new world. In 1935, it was decided to introduce the Appellation d'origine contrôlée system in order to protect French winemakers. Appellation d’origine contrôlée is a system of naming and classification of wines, the oldest in the world, and it served as an example for the emergence of similar classification systems in Italy and Spain.
After the Second World War, with the redistribution of the market, investments poured into France, and the modern French wine industry and brands that we know today appeared.
For a more detailed look at the history of French winemaking, go.
French wine brands and appellation system
As already mentioned, in 1935 the first appellation system, or protected appellation system, was introduced. The system was introduced by the National Institute of Original Titles. All laws related to winemaking in one way or another must be strictly observed, and this organization was obliged to control the entire wine industry. The word “appellation”, as a designation of an element of wine classification, has entered other languages, including Russian. After the advent of the European Union and the introduction of uniform laws for all winemakers in the Union, the French appellation system became the main one.
In 2006, the classification system and French appellations were significantly altered, and today French wines are usually divided into three main categories:
- Vin De France is a simple, cheap table wine, the label of which can include the producer company, as well as the variety of grapes used for production, as well as the year of harvest. The name of the area cannot be applied. Vin De France wines are cheap wines “for every day”.
- Indication geographique protegee (IGP) are wines assigned to specific regions of France, which, however, do not fall into the AOC category (a higher category, more on that below). These are wines that do not meet AOC standards, but at the same time are produced from commercial grape varieties made according to certain, approved rules.
- Appellation d'origine protegee (AOP) is the highest category of French wines, wines from a certain wine-growing region, from a certain grape variety (or a certain type and proportion of a mixture of grape varieties), prepared using a certain technology.
The new labeling system for French wines finally came into force after 2012. Wines produced before 2012 are not labeled under the new system. Previously, there were wines of the VDQS class (Vin délimité de qualité supérieure), which occupied about 1% of the total market. This statute fell approximately between the second and third modern classes. Today, the wines of these producers are classified as AOP (if eligible), or "downgraded", to IGP.
Show full list of French appellations and regions| AOC | Wine Region |
| Ajaccio | Corsica |
| Aloxe-Corton | Burgundy |
| Alsace | Alsace |
| Alsace Grand Cru | Alsace |
| Anjou | Loire |
| Anjou mousseux | Loire |
| Anjou Villages | Loire |
| Anjou Villages Brissac | Loire |
| Anjou-Coteaux de la Loire | Loire |
| Anjou-Gamay | Loire |
| Arbois | Jura |
| Auxey-Duresses | Burgundy |
| Bandol | Provence |
| Banyuls | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Banyuls Grand Cru | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Barsac | Bordeaux |
| Beaujolais | Beaujolais |
| Beaujolais-Villages | Beaujolais |
| Beaumes de Venise | Rhone |
| Beaune | Burgundy |
| Bellet | Provence |
| Bergerac | South West France |
| Bergerac rose | South West France |
| Bergerac sec | South West France |
| Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Blagny | Burgundy |
| Blanquette de Limoux | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Blanquette méthode ancestrale | Languedoc |
| Blaye | Bordeaux |
| Bonnes-Mares | Burgundy |
| Bonnezeaux | Loire |
| Bordeaux | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux clairet | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux Cotes de France | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux Haut-Benauge | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux moelleux | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux rose | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux sec | Bordeaux |
| Bordeaux supérieur | Bordeaux |
| Bourgogne | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne aligote | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne clairet | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne clairet Cote chalonnaise | Burgundy |
| Burgundy | |
| Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Cote Saint-Jacques | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Cotes du Couchois | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Epineuil | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne grand ordinaire | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Hautes-cotes de Beaune | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Hautes-cotes de Nuits | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne La Chapelle Notre-Dame | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne le Chapitre | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Montrecul | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne mousseux | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne ordinaire | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne rose | Burgundy |
| Bourgogne Vézelay | Burgundy |
| Bourgueil | Loire |
| Bouzeron | Burgundy |
| Brouilly | Beaujolais |
| Bugey | Bugey |
| Buzet | South West France |
| Bâtard-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Bearn | South West France |
| Cabardes | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Cabernet d'Anjou | Loire |
| Cabernet de Saumur | Loire |
| Cadillac | Bordeaux |
| Cahors | South West France |
| Canon Fronsac | Bordeaux |
| Cassis | Provence |
| Chablis | Burgundy |
| Chablis Grand Cru | Burgundy |
| Chablis Premier Cru | Burgundy |
| Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Chambertin-Clos-de-Beze | Burgundy |
| Chambolle-Musigny | Burgundy |
| Champagne | Champagne |
| Chapelle-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Charlemagne | Burgundy |
| Charmes-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Chassagne-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Chaume | Loire |
| Chevalier-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Cheverny | Loire |
| Chinon | Loire |
| Chiroubles | Beaujolais |
| Chorey-les-Beaune | Burgundy |
| Chateau-Chalon | Jura |
| Chateau-Grillet | Rhone |
| Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Rhone |
| Chatillon-en-Diois | Rhone |
| Chenas | Beaujolais |
| Clairette de Bellegarde | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Clairette de Die | Rhone |
| Clairette du Languedoc | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Clos de la Roche | Burgundy |
| Clos de Tart | Burgundy |
| Clos de Vougeot | Burgundy |
| Clos des Lambrays | Burgundy |
| Clos Saint-Denis | Burgundy |
| Collioure | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Condrieu | Rhone |
| Corbieres | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Cornas | Rhone |
| Corse or Vin de Corse | Corsica |
| Corton | Burgundy |
| Corton-Charlemagne | Burgundy |
| Costières de Nîmes | Rhone |
| Coteaux Champenois | Champagne |
| Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence | Provence |
| Coteaux de Die | Rhone |
| Coteaux de l'Aubance | Loire |
| Coteaux de Pierrevert | Provence |
| Coteaux de Saumur | Loire |
| Coteaux du Giennois | Loire |
| Coteaux du Languedoc | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Coteaux du Layon | Loire |
| Coteaux du Loir | Loire |
| Coteaux du Lyonnais | Lyonnais |
| Coteaux du Quercy | South West France |
| Coteaux du Tricastin | Rhone |
| Coteaux du Vendômois | Loire |
| Coteaux Varois | Provence |
| Cour-Cheverny | Loire |
| Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Crozes-Hermitage | Rhone |
| Crémant d'Alsace | Alsace |
| Crémant de Bordeaux | Bordeaux |
| Crémant de Bourgogne | Burgundy |
| Crémant de Die | Rhone |
| Crémant de Limoux | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Crémant de Loire | Loire |
| Crémant du Jura | Jura |
| Crépy | Savoy |
| Cerons | Bordeaux |
| Cote de Beaune | Burgundy |
| Cote de Beaune-Villages | Burgundy |
| Cote de Brouilly | Beaujolais |
| Cote de Nuits-villages | Burgundy |
| Cote Roannaise | Loire |
| Cote-Rôtie | Rhone |
| Cotes de Bergerac | South West France |
| Cotes de Bergerac Blanc | South West France |
| Cotes de Blaye | Bordeaux |
| Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire | Bordeaux |
| Cotes de Bourg | Bordeaux |
| Cotes de Castillon | Bordeaux |
| Cotes de Duras | South West France |
| Cotes de la Malepere | Languedoc |
| Cotes de Millau | South West France |
| Cotes de Montravel | South West France |
| Cotes de Provence | Provence |
| Cotes de Toul | Eastern France |
| Cotes du Forez | Loire |
| Cotes du Jura | Jura |
| Cotes du Luberon | Rhone |
| Cotes du Marmandais | South West France |
| Cotes du Rhône | Rhone |
| Cotes du Rhone Villages | Rhone |
| Côtes du Roussillon | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Côtes du Roussillon Villages | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Cotes du Ventoux | Rhone |
| Cotes du Vivarais | Rhone |
| Entre-Deux-Mers | Bordeaux |
| Entre-Deux-Mers-Haut-Benauge | Bordeaux |
| Faugeres | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Fitou | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Fixin | Burgundy |
| Fleurie | Beaujolais |
| Fronsac | Bordeaux |
| Frontignan | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Fronton | South West France |
| Gaillac | South West France |
| Gaillac Premieres Cotess | South West France |
| Gevrey-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Gigondas | Rhone |
| Givry | Burgundy |
| Grand Roussillon | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Grands Échezeaux | Burgundy |
| Graves | Bordeaux |
| Graves de Vayres | Bordeaux |
| Graves Superieures | Bordeaux |
| Griotte-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Haut-Montravel | South West France |
| Haut-Médoc | Bordeaux |
| Haut-Poitou | Loire |
| Hermitage | Rhone |
| Irancy | Burgundy |
| Irouleguy | South West France |
| Jasnieres | Loire |
| Julienas | Beaujolais |
| Jurancon | South West France |
| L'Étoile | Jura |
| La Grande Rue | Burgundy |
| La Romanée | Burgundy |
| La Tâche | Burgundy |
| Ladoix | Burgundy |
| Lalande-de-Pomerol | Bordeaux |
| Latricieres-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Les Baux-de-Provence | Provence |
| Limoux | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Lirac | Rhone |
| Listrac-Médoc | Bordeaux |
| Loupiac | Bordeaux |
| Lussac-Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux |
| Madiran | South West France |
| Maranges | Burgundy |
| Marcillac | South West France |
| Margaux | Bordeaux |
| Marsannay | Burgundy |
| Maury | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Mazis-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Mazoyeres-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Menetou-Salon | Loire |
| Mercury | Burgundy |
| Meursault | Burgundy |
| Minervois | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Minervois-La Liviniere | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Monbazillac | South West France |
| Montagne Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux |
| Montagny | Burgundy |
| Monthelie | Burgundy |
| Montlouis | Loire |
| Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Montravel | South West France |
| Morey-Saint-Denis | Burgundy |
| Morgon | Beaujolais |
| Moulin a vent | Beaujolais |
| Moulis or Moulis-en-Médoc | Bordeaux |
| Muscadet | Loire |
| Muscadet-Coteaux de la Loire | Loire |
| Muscadet-Côtes de Grandlieu | Loire |
| Muscadet-Sevre et Maine | Loire |
| Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise | Rhone |
| Muscat de Frontignan | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Muscat de Lunel | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Muscat de Mireval | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Muscat de Rivesaltes | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Muscat de Saint-Jean de Minervois | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Musigny | Burgundy |
| Mâcon | Burgundy |
| Macon supérieur | Burgundy |
| Mâcon-villages | Burgundy |
| Medoc | Bordeaux |
| Nuits-Saint-Georges | Burgundy |
| Néac | Bordeaux |
| Orleans | Loire |
| Orléans-Cléry | Loire |
| Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh | South West France |
| Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh Sec | South West France |
| Palette | Provence |
| Patrimonio | Corsica |
| Pauillac | Bordeaux |
| Pernand-Vergelesses | Burgundy |
| Pessac-Leognan | Bordeaux |
| Petit Chablis | Burgundy |
| Pomerol | Bordeaux |
| Pommard | Burgundy |
| Pouilly-Fuissé | Burgundy |
| Pouilly-Fumé | Loire |
| Pouilly-Loché | Burgundy |
| Pouilly-sur-Loire | Loire |
| Pouilly-Vinzelles | Burgundy |
| Premieres Cotes de Blaye | Bordeaux |
| Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux | Bordeaux |
| Puisseguin Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux |
| Puligny-Montrachet | Burgundy |
| Pécharmant | South West France |
| Quarts de Chaume | Loire |
| Quincy | Loire |
| Reuilly | Loire |
| Richebourg | Burgundy |
| Rivesaltes | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Romanée-Conti | Burgundy |
| Romanée-Saint-Vivant | Burgundy |
| Rosette | South West France |
| Rose d'Anjou | Loire |
| Rose de Loire | Loire |
| Rose des Riceys | Champagne |
| Roussette de Savoie | Savoy |
| Roussette du Bugey | Bugey |
| Ruchottes-Chambertin | Burgundy |
| Rully | Burgundy |
| Regnie | Beaujolais |
| Saint-Amour | Beaujolais |
| Saint-Aubin | Burgundy |
| Saint-Bris | Burgundy |
| Saint-Chinian | Languedoc-Roussillon |
| Saint-Estephe | Bordeaux |
| Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux |
| Saint-Joseph | Rhone |
| Saint-Julien | Bordeaux |
| Saint-Mont | South West France |
| Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil | Loire |
| Saint-Pourçain | Loire |
| Saint-Péray | Rhone |
| Saint-Romain | Burgundy |
| Saint-Sardos | South West France |
| Saint-Véran | Burgundy |
| Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux |
| Saint-Émilion Grand Cru | Bordeaux |
| Sainte-Croix-du-Mont | Bordeaux |
| Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux | Bordeaux |
| Sancerre | Loire |
| Santenay | Burgundy |
| Saumur | Loire |
| Saumur mousseux | Loire |
| Saumur-Champigny | Loire |
| Saussignac | South West France |
| Sauternes | Bordeaux |
| Savennières | Loire |
| Savennières-Coulée-de-Serrant | Loire |
| Savennières-Roche-aux-Moines | Loire |
| Savigny-les-Beaune | Burgundy |
| Seyssel | Savoy |
| Tavel | Rhone |
| Tonnerre | Burgundy |
| Touraine | Loire |
| Touraine Noble Joué | Loire |
| Touraine-Amboise | Loire |
| Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau | Loire |
| Touraine-Mesland | Loire |
| Tursan | South West France |
| Vacqueyras | Rhone |
| Valencay | Loire |
| Vin de Savoie | Savoy |
| Vins d'Entraygues et du Fel | South West France |
| Vins d'Estaing | South West France |
| Vins Fins de la Cote de Nuits | Burgundy |
| Vinsobres | Rhone |
| Viré-Clessé | Burgundy |
| Volnay | Burgundy |
| Volnay Santenots | Burgundy |
| Vosne-Romanée | Burgundy |
| Vougeot | Burgundy |
| Vouvray | Loire |
| Échezeaux | Burgundy |
French wine styles
In France today, almost all existing types of wines are produced, including red, white and rose wines, as well as dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, dessert, sparkling wines, and fortified wines. Moreover, at all levels of wine quality, all designated styles of wine are present. The only exception, perhaps, are French fortified wines, which are practically unknown outside France.
From the point of view of taste preferences, it cannot be said that French wine is somehow different from another; we are talking more about regional identity, the identity of an appellation from another region, rather than about some feature common to all French wine. The use of different grape varieties, the use of a variety of technologies, and the use of fundamentally different methods of fortification and aging make it possible to call wines with completely opposite tastes French. The cost of wines from different regions and different classes may differ by 2-3 orders of magnitude; Some wines are made for immediate consumption here and now, as “everyday” wines; some wines are created for long-term storage and collecting.
If it is worth talking about some kind of national identification and peculiarity of French wines, then this peculiarity lies in the fact that French wines in the vast majority of cases are table wines for drinking with food, traditional French baguettes and bistros. In the French tradition, wine should only be drunk as an accompaniment to food. Wines for simple hedonistic pleasure, for drinking on their own, are rather the exception to the rule. Basically, this only applies to newfangled trends, such as Beaujolais Nouveau, aimed at young people.
Grape varieties used
A huge number of different varieties of grapes are grown in France. We are talking about both well-known international varieties and local mutations. Most "international" grape varieties, that is, varieties grown on all continents, were originally grown in France. At the same time, which is typical, the strict rules of the appellation system do not make it possible to grow certain varieties throughout France: a variety that is very popular in one region may not be grown at all in another, etc.
Most of the famous grape varieties grown in France are closely associated with a specific region. Thus, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in Bordeaux, and Syrah is grown in the Rhone. Some grape varieties (like praivlo, technical varieties for dilution) are grown in several regions; for example, Chardonnay is grown in Burgundy and Champagne, and Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire and Bordeaux. However, Cabernet Sauvignon is not grown in the Rhone, and Riesling wine is not grown in the Loire, although the climatic conditions of these regions are almost ideal for the corresponding varieties. As another example of strict adherence to rules, the cultivation of Chardonnay in Bordeaux is prohibited, although the climate of Bordeaux could not be better suited to unleash the potential and productivity of Chardonnay vines.
If the wine is made from a “forbidden” grape variety, for example, a Bordeaux wine made from Chardonnay, then it is automatically deprived of the opportunity to get into the AOP class, and remains in the Vin de Pays class, or simply Vin de France - a simple table wine. In this case, they cannot be used to name the region of production or the name of the appellation.
Traditionally, the vast majority of French wines are blended with several other grape varieties during production, but there are also wines that are 100% composed of a single grape variety. White wines are more common than red wines.
In addition, the same rules apply to the labeling of French wine as to the labeling of any other European Union wines:
- If there is only one name of a grape variety on the label, then the wine must consist of at least 85% of this variety.
- If more than one grape variety is indicated on the label, the wine must consist only of those varieties listed.
- If more than one grape variety is indicated on the label, then all grape varieties used for the production of wine are indicated in order of decreasing their proportion in the wine.
Terroir
Terroir is a collection of factors that influence the taste of wine; French term. As a rule, terroir refers to the class and type of soil on which the grapes grew, the geology of the soil, altitude above sea level, steepness of the slope, exposure to the sun, and level of precipitation. Even the same region has different terroirs depending on the location of the vineyard, often different terroirs are inherent in vineyards growing on different sides of the same hill.
The concept of terroir is especially strong in Burgundy.
It is worth noting that the practical meaning of the meaning of “terroir” is considered controversial by many skeptics, since different harvests of the same vineyard create a greater difference in the taste of wine than the difference in the taste of the terroirs of the same region.
Thus, the most favorable years for French winemaking were 1947, 1949, 1953, 1978 and 1979.
Wine regions of France
All French wine regions are regulated by the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine. Each wine name is determined by this body. If a wine does not meet the INAO requirements, then it goes into the category of Vin De Table (table wines) or Vin De Pays (local wines).
Let's look at the most famous wine regions of France:
Alsace
Alsace is a region that predominantly produces white wine, but produces red, rosé, table and sparkling wines in small quantities. Alsace is located in the eastern part of France on the banks of the Il River, bordering Germany. The grapes grown in Alsace are mainly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Muscat.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a region that predominantly produces red wine from the Gamay variety. White wine and pink sparkling wines are also produced in some quantities. It is located in the eastern part of France, across the Seon River, just below Burgundy. There are 12 appellations here, including Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais-Village AOC, as well as 10 Cru: Brouilly, Regnié, Chiroubles, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Juliénas, Morgon and Moulin-a-Vent. The region is also known for producing the recently popular Beaujolais Nouveau wine.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a large wine-growing region of France, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The wines of the Bordeaux region are well known abroad in France. First of all, here I grow red wines from Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour. Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Auson, Chateau Le Pin. As a rule, the produced wines are mixed with technical wine Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, in some cases with technical variety Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux produces dry and still sweet white wines, including Sauternes and Chateau d'Yquem, famous in Russia.
Brittany
Despite the fact that now the Brittany region does not officially exist, there is a lot of wine from this former region on the market.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a wine region located in eastern France that produces both white and red wines. It is believed that it is in Burgundy that the Terraur system is most developed. In addition, this region is divided into a large number of small terroirs and appellations, the classification here is very deep and detailed. Burgundy wines are quite expensive. The main regions of Burgundy are the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune, the Côte Chalonnaise and the county of Macon. The Beaujolais and Chablis regions are located nearby. The main grapes that grow in Burgundy are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay for white wines and Pinot Noir for red wines. Some white wine is made from Aligote grapes.
Champagne
Champagne is a region located in the eastern part of France, near Luxembourg. The coldest region of France, home to sparkling wine - Champagne. Wines from the Champagne region (both sparkling and not) can be either white or rosé, and occasionally red. The vast majority of wines from this region are classified as AOC.
Corsica
Corsica is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. Corsica's wine is mainly consumed by the island's inhabitants. The island has nine AOC regions. In addition, Corsica has its own wine classification system, and original winemaking methods and technologies have been developed.
Ile-de-France
Like Brittany, the wine region of Ile-de-France does not officially exist due to the abolition of the name of this wine-producing region. The villages of Ile-de-France are located northeast of the Seine-et-Marne department. Today, the villages and wines of Ile-de-France are part of the Champagne region. Recently, more than 200 new vineyards have appeared on the territory of the former wine-growing region of Ile-de-France, with a total area of about 12 hectares of land.
Yura
The Jura is a small French wine region located in the mountains near Switzerland. Many unique styles of wine are produced here, including Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille Vin de Palle. There are six appellations in the region, in which the characteristic grapes of Burgundy are grown - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as some other grape varieties. Unlike Burgundy, the climate here is somewhat cooler, and the wine produced has higher acidity and a more subtle aroma.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in France by area and also the region that produces the most wine. It is called "grape lake". It is here that the raw materials for cheap wine are made, sold wholesale and by the glass. Languedoc-Roussillon is also home to some distinctive and innovative wines, such as Blanquette de Limoux, the oldest sparkling wine in the world. In addition, this region is the first to use technologies and new methods developed in the countries of the New World.
Loire
The Loire is a French wine region specializing in white wines. Includes several sub-regions. First of all, this is Upper Loire (Upper Loire) - famous for the Sauvignon Blanc produced there, as well as the Sancerre AOC wine. The second region is Touraine, a subregion that produces cool climate white wines. Including dry, sweet and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc (Vouvray AOC) and red wines from Cabernet Franc (Bourgueil AOC, Chinon AOC).
Provence
Provence is the warmest wine region in France, located in the south-east of the country, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The main specialization of this region is the production of rose and red wines. Covers 8 appellations, the main one being the Bandol appellation. Provence has its own internal classification of wines (like Bordeaux). Many people compare the wines of Provence and the wines of the Rhone, another wine-producing region, noting their great similarity (most likely due to the climatic similarity of the regions).
Rona
The Rhône is a French wine region located in the southeast of the country. Specializing in the production of red wine. The region got its name thanks to the flowing river of the same name. The styles of wine produced in the Rhône can vary greatly (products from the north and south of the region are especially different). Like Bordeaux, the Rhône is a major producer of traditional red grape varieties.
Savoy
Savoie is a wine region in France that produces primarily white wine. Located in the Alps, near Switzerland. Grows a large number of unique grape varieties.
Winemaking in France today
The largest consumer of French wines is France itself. But at the same time, wine consumption in France itself is gradually decreasing every year. Since 1990, in less than thirty years, wine consumption has decreased by more than 20%. This contributes to the fact that French winemakers began to pay special attention to foreign markets and exports in particular. At the same time, other wine-producing countries of the Old World – Spain, Italy, Portugal – also face similar problems.
The excess of wine that is currently on the market leads to the fact that ready-made wine is being used as a raw material for brandy: the wine is distilled for the industrial production of French brandy.
The Romans imposed winemaking culture on the French in the 6th century BC. With fire and sword they forced the rebellious Gauls to plant vines. 500 years later, the same Romans destroyed all the vineyards of Gaul, which became a threat to imperial trade. But the locals’ love for the noble drink could no longer be eradicated; they started over. Nowadays, French wines are considered a model to which masters from other countries look up.
Winemaking in France in numbers:
- annual production volume – 7-8 billion bottles (the largest producer in the world);
- total area of vineyards – 836,999 hectares (second place after Spain);
- share in the world wine market – 17.6% (first place);
- industry income – 18 billion euros (for 2009);
- number of jobs – 120 thousand.
To understand French wines, you need to understand the meaning of the terms “Terroir”, “Appellation” and “Château”.
Terroir is a set of soil and climatic factors that determine the taste and quality of wine. Terroir includes: the type and geological component of the vineyard’s soil, microclimate (abundance of rain, wind strength, temperature changes, number of sunny days), altitude above sea level, and steepness of the site’s slope. One wine-growing region may have several terroirs; in such cases, even in neighboring areas, the taste of wine from the same grape variety is noticeably different.
Appellation is a wine-growing region with unique geographical conditions and clearly established wine production technology regarding the selection of grape varieties, their maximum yield, methods of juicing, aging and other parameters.
If the producer complies with all the rules, he has the right to put on the label the inscription “Appellation Contrôlée” (control by origin), which means that the organoleptic properties of the wine (taste, color, smell) correspond to the standard accepted in the appellation. Wines controlled by origin are considered to be of the highest quality.
There are 466 appellations registered in France. The most famous are Bordeaux, Champagne, Chablis, and the Rhone and Loire valleys. Appellations are often nested inside each other like a nesting doll, which makes them difficult to understand. For example, within Bordeaux there is the Medoc region, in turn, within the Medoc itself there is a separate region of Margaux.
The difference between terroir and appellation is that terroir divides regions only according to natural conditions, while appellation additionally takes into account wine production technology. As a result, there can be many appellations in one terroir.
Chateau(Château) is a general designation for a French winery. For example, the inscription on the label “Château de Chambord” means that the wine was produced by the Chambord winery. The "Château" label is most often found on wines from Bordeaux.
Classification of French wines
France was the first country to develop a quality standardization system. Subsequently, the principle of categorizing wines was borrowed by other countries, including Italy, Spain and Portugal.
French wines come in 4 categories (the abbreviation or full name is printed on the label):
AOC(Appellation d’Origine Controlee) – control by origin, the most expensive wines that comply with the rules of their appellation. Before sale, each barrel undergoes tasting. The word "d'Origine" is usually replaced by a specific name. For example, the inscription “Appellation Bordeaux contrôlée” indicates that the wine production is controlled by the Bordeaux appellation.
Additional markings "Cru" on the label means that the grapes were grown on a plantation that has historically produced a better harvest than its surroundings. This is an indicator of the highest quality.
VDQS(Vin Delimite de Qualite Superieure) – candidate wines awaiting assignment to the AOC category. Although the requirements for this group are somewhat lower, most manufacturers try to adhere to the highest standards.
VdP(Vin de Pays) - French wines from regional wine materials, only the strength of the drink, the variety and yield of the grapes are controlled. These are mainly products of small rural wineries, but their quality may not be inferior to the highest category.
VdT(Vin de Table) - ordinary table wines made in France, which undergo only laboratory control. In their production, you can use wine material from other countries of the European Union.
Wine regions of France
Wine regions map Bordeaux- the oldest region located on the Atlantic coast in a temperate climate. Red Bordeaux wines are considered the world standard of quality. For their production, four grape varieties are mainly used: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. The price depends on the prestige of the manufacturer, aging and year of harvest, since this area does not always have favorable conditions for the growth and ripening of grapes.
The region is divided into many appellations, the most famous: Medoc, Graves, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes. Historically, wine production in Bordeaux was carried out by small private estates called “Château”, translated from French as “castle”. They honor the traditions of their ancestors and carefully monitor quality.
- Michel Boyer. Chateau Bellevue la Mongie;
- Ginestet. Chateau Briot;
- Pierre Lurton. Chateau Marjosse;
- Vignoble Menard. Chateau Memoire;
- Jean-Yves Millaire. Chateau Cavale Blanche.
Burgundy is a 200 km long wine region in eastern France, consisting of almost 100 appellations. The grape varieties Chardonnay and Aligote are mainly cultivated here. Thanks to the heterogeneous soil and variable climate, Burgundy white wines are known for their wide range of flavors. The most prestigious wine-growing areas of Burgundy: Chablis, Côte and Haute-Côte, Mâconnais and Chalonnay.
- SC du Domaine de la Romanne-Conti;
- Domaine Anne Gros;
- J.Trapet;
- Domaine du Comte Senard;
- J.Drouihin;
- Rene Engel;
- R. Arnoux.
Champagne– the birthplace of sparkling wines. The region is located in northern France near the border with Belgium and Luxembourg. The inventor of champagne is considered to be the Benedictine monk Pierre Perignon, who was the first to subject wine to double fermentation.
Champagne produces white and rose sparkling wines. Interestingly, the production uses two red varieties, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, as well as white Chardonnay grapes.
- Krug;
- Perrier-Jouet;
- Charles Heidsiek;
- Egly-Ouriet.
Red grapes are predominantly used for champagne. Alsace is a province in northeastern France, bordering Germany and Switzerland. The mountains protect the hillside vineyards from strong winds and naturally regulate rainfall.
Alsace is famous for white wines (more than 90% of production) made from Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer grapes.
- Clos Ste-Hune;
- Trimbach;
- Hugel;
- Domaines Schlumberger;
- Wimann;
- Baron Kirmann.
Loire Valley is a large wine-growing region in France, stretching over 300 km in the Loire River valley. The climate varies from maritime to continental. The grapes here are cultivated on the eastern slopes of the hills. Preferred varieties: Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau, Sauvignon and Chenin.
A characteristic feature of local wines is that they cannot be stored for long, so they are drunk young. The Loire produces a wide variety of wines: red, white, rose, dry, semi-dry, sweet and even sparkling.
- Patrick de Ladoucette;
- Marc Bredif;
- Alphonse Mellot;
- Henris Bourgois;
- Didier Dagueneau;
- Langois-Chateau;
- Chateau du Nozet.
Rhone Valley– a 225 km long region in the south of France. Due to differences in climate, soil and grape varieties (Syrah, Carignan, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc) it is divided into northern and southern parts. Local masters specialize in dry red and white wines.
The most famous appellation of this region is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the appearance of which is associated with the transfer of the residence of the Pope to the city of Avignon (1309-1327). Until now, Chateauneuf-du-Pape serves as an example of unquestioning adherence to traditions and production technology.
- Guigal;
- Perrin;
- Chapoutier;
- Marc Sorrel;
- J-L Grippat;
- Chateau Mont-Redon.
Provence- the oldest region with a mild climate, in which Greek colonists began to grow grapevines back in the 6th century BC. The area uses a wide range of grape varieties: Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bourboulan, Clairette, Semillon, Sauvignon. The best wines of Provence are made in the Bandol appellation. These are mainly red and pink species.
- Domaine Ott;
- Chateau de Selle;
- Chateau Pibranon;
- Domaine Gavoty;
- Mas Cdenet;
- Chateau Real-Martin.
Southwest– the collective name of several wine-growing regions isolated from each other, which are located in the administrative district of Aquitaine. Local winemakers produce dry white and red wines of all quality categories.
- A. Brumont;
- Robert Plageoles;
- Chateau Montus;
- Chateau Belingard;
- Domaine de Pecoula.
Yura- a small region on the border with Switzerland, known for its unique varieties of wine - yellow and straw, which have a specific taste. The grape varieties used in production are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Château-Chalon;
- Arbois;
- l'Etoile;
- Côtes du Jura.
Beaujolais– a small region near Lyon, located in a cold continental climate. Local winemakers use only one grape variety - Gamay. Due to natural conditions, finished Beaujolais wine cannot be stored for long. It is opened on the third Thursday of November in the harvest year and drunk until spring. The French created and then skillfully popularized the holiday of young wine “Beaujolais Nouveau”; now it is celebrated all over the world.
- Georges Duboeuf;
- Jean Baronnat;
- Gerard Brisson;
- Philippe Deschamps;
- Stephane Gardette;
- Chateau de lavernette.
Languedoc- the largest wine-growing region in France, not known for its high quality wine. In recent years, it has become a territory of experimentation for winemakers from all over the world, introducing new methods and technologies.
- Domaine Cases;
- Domaine des Chenes;
- Prieure de St-Jean de Bibian;
- Chateau Cazeneuve;
- Chtaeu Helene;
- Chateau Donjon;
- Jean-Jean.
Languedoc - a region of experimenters Corsica– the dawn of winemaking on the island began after joining France in 1768. But due to the limited territory for vineyard plantations, most of the wines produced in Corsica are drunk by the local population, rarely being exported.
P.S. Brands of French wines from each region are given only as an example, the sequence of their placement is not a rating, I do not advertise these producers and do not encourage you to buy their products.
There is no better accompaniment to dinner than good wine. Some collectors devote an entire basement to this drink so that it does not spoil there and retains all the taste of the bouquet. However, we are more interested not in collecting, but in the best varieties for a certain price.
First, we want to answer some of the most asked questions about inexpensive wines. 1) Is it possible to find good wine inexpensively? In conclusion, we would like to say that you should not be afraid of sulfates; if they are used within acceptable limits, then this will not affect your health in any way.- A few simple recommendations when choosing wine in a store:
- See manufacturer name. It must be on the front side of the bottle, and in capital letters. Good manufacturers always want their products to be recognized.
- Look for the harvest year. If it is not there, then most likely you will buy a concentrate or some kind of chemical.
- Bottle container. We do not recommend taking it in cardboard bags. As a rule, the wines there are of low quality; such wines are, at best, suitable for cooking. We also recommend taking wines with wooden corks.
- Price. Don't expect a miracle; good wine cannot be very cheap. If the wine costs less than 300 rubles, most likely there is only chemicals in it.
Good wines up to 400 rubles
Wine of Abkhazia "Lykhny"
400 rub.This variety has a delicate aroma, with a light strawberry tone, as well as all the richness of Isabella grapes. Due to its low price and high quality, this contender takes first place in the ranking. If you have a modest budget, around 350-400 rubles, then Lykhny wine, due to its quality, may be your best choice.
Vinal AD "Kadarka"
300 rub.A drink from Bulgaria, made from Kadarka grapes, thanks to the aroma of ripe berries and ripe fruits, will look good at the festive table. This wine will go well with hard cheese and cold desserts.
Sauk-Dere "Merlot"
320 rub.A domestic variety of wine that will delight many lovers, since the taste of this candidate is not sour, but slightly tart. The bottle is designed very stylishly: the label is made in the form of a map of the Krasnodar region.
Chateau Taman "Saperavi Taman"
340 rub.Another candidate from the Krasnodar region, which is made from selected grapes, but its taste is not as good as the previous wine. The tartness and sourness can be scary at first, but after a while it feels much better.
RUB 5,360
Bright pink color, simple but slightly strong aroma, with a hint of mango and strawberry - these are the signs of a good wine from Portugal. A light aftertaste with a hint of grapefruit makes this drink one of the best in the “budget” category.
Good wines up to 700 rubles
"Tinajas" Carmenere Reserva
700 rub.This candidate is considered the best in its price category; it perfectly combines lightness and pleasant sourness. The taste has notes of red currant and herbs that go well with meat dishes. We recommend it, quite a good wine.
"Trapiche" Cabernet Sauvignon
540 rub.This wine has been awarded the title of best more than once. Friendly and mild taste, pleasant spicy aroma goes well with steak, grilled meat, baked goods and cooked vegetables.
"Campo Viejo" Tempranillo
700 rub.For such a sum, purchasing such a simple and aromatic drink is the best deal. Notes of blueberry and marmalade are felt. The bouquet itself is balanced so that it is felt without much acidity.
"Valentin" Parellada, Catalunya DO
690 rub.The combination of two Italian grape varieties, Garnacha Blanca and Parellada, results in a dry and elegant bouquet, with special notes of ripe fruit. It is recommended to drink only with fish dishes.
"Conti Serristori" Chianti DOCG
700 rub.This wine is good for everyday use; its history dates back to the 14th century. The pride of its region, it shows an excellent balanced taste with a slight sourness. It goes well with meat snacks and pasta.
Good wines under 1000 rubles
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
950 rub.This is a special wine made from grapes grown in the terroir of New Zealand's Marlborough region. The wine has a unique fruity taste, which is obtained through a special vinification technology.
Amantillado- the most famous Spanish sherries with an incomparable nutty bouquet and aroma. Their unique smell is somewhat reminiscent of Mantilla wines made in Mantilla in the Spanish province of Cordoba. This is where their name comes from.
Aroma- a key concept that, in combination with a bouquet, determines the composition of the aromas of wine. The aroma is determined, in particular, by the varietal characteristics of a given grape variety.
Bardolino- a very light Italian wine, almost pink, produced in the area of the city of the same name near Verona. Aged from one to three years. Has a delightful fruity scent.
Barolo- red wine, considered one of the best European wines. Produced in the Italian province of Piedmont. When stored in bottles, it may form a strong sediment. It is recommended to store bottles in an upright position.
Bonet- red and white French wine, belongs to Burgundy wines, produced in the southern part of Côte-Dore
Boujolais(Beaujolais) - special varieties of Burgundy wines, white and red (usually white), produced in France north of Lyon. Usually served chilled. They are consumed very young, often starting in mid-November in the year of production.
Blanc de blanc- literally: “white wine from light grapes.” Traditionally, this is the name given to certain types of champagne produced from a mixture of light and dark grape varieties or from dark pinot noir grapes. Also widely used by winemakers producing wines from light grapes not only in the Chardonnay province, but also in Provence, Loire and TA, to increase the prestige of their wine
Bordeaux wines- red and white wines produced from various grape varieties grown in the Gironde region around the port city of Bordeaux in the south of France. Bottled in tall, angular bottles.
Bouquet- the bouquet differs from the aroma in that it is formed in the wine during the process of fermentation, blending and maturation. As a rule, it is believed that young wines do not have a bouquet
Burgundy wines- red and white, fine wines produced in Burgundy southeast of Paris. Bottled in a specific shape. The reputation of Burgundy wines is often questioned because they are blended before being bottled. Red Burgundy wines are made from pinot noir grapes, while white wines are made from Chardonnay.
Valpolicella- Italian red wine produced northeast of Verona at the foot of the Alps. It has a beautiful cherry-red color, a sweetish bouquet, a light fruity aroma and even body. Typically bottled after aging for 18 months in wooden bottles, it matures in bottles that should not be stored for more than five years.
Vanilla smell- imparted to wine as a result of the penetration of vanillin into it from the material of oak barrels. Young Burgundy and Bordeaux wines have a milky-vanilla aroma. The younger the wood from which the barrel is made, the more intense the vanilla aroma. The most intense vanilla aroma is found in the best examples of Californian Char Donnay wines.
Verdicchio- one of the most famous Italian white wines produced in central Italy in the province of Ancona. Dry, pale wine with an intense aroma, bottled in vase-shaped bottles.
Vermouth- fortified white wines flavored with herbs, tannic bark, roots, seeds and spices. Typically used as an apperitif or as part of cocktails. There are two types of vermouths - French, pale in color and completely dry, aged for three or four years, and Italian, dark red and sweet, aged for about two years before bottling. Both varieties of vermouth are produced in France and Italy.
Wines made from sandy grapes- red and white Bordeaux wines made from grapes grown on sandy soils on the left bank of the Garonne River south of Bordeaux. White wines of this type are more common, dry to semi-sweet, pale yellow in color with a pronounced metallic flavor. Red wines of this type are usually called "chateau".
Volney- red Burgundy wines produced near Volney and Meursault in France. White wines of this type are called merakh. They are refined and delicate, not astringent wines with a subtle aftertaste.
Vouvray- the best of the wines produced on the banks of the Loire River near the city of Tours. One of the most persistent white wines. Depending on the weather and the quality of the grapes, they can be dry and fruity, like Rhine wines, or pale and sparkling.
Density- a term characterizing the fullness of red wines. On the palate, the thick wine feels refined and full. Thick wines include pinot noir, vintage port and barolo wines.
Completeness- the property of wine to leave a pleasant feeling in the mouth. If the wine does not have this property, then it leaves a taste of acid or bitterness in the mouth. Not all wine varieties have this property.
Cabernet Sauvignon- a strong red wine made from the grape variety of the same name grown in the coastal regions of California in the USA. Many experts consider this persistent and long-maturing wine to be the best in the United States. It is often compared to French Medoc wines made from the same grape variety.
Acidity- a pleasant feeling of acidity inherent in all wines, without which the taste of the wine seems dull and uninteresting. However, with excess acidity, the wine feels harsh and tasteless.
Cote de Nuits- red wines produced in the northern part of the Côte-Dore region in Burgundy. The best wines of this type have vintage names - Chambertin, Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges, etc.
Cotes du Rhone- the general name for red wines bottled in a special shape, produced on both banks of the Rhone River between the cities of Lyon and Avignon. The wines have an intense red color and are quite strong. The best ones have vintage names such as cote rotie, hermitage, and chateauneuf-du-pape.
Chianti- the best Italian red wine. It is produced in the Italian province of Tuscany, south of Florence, from various grape varieties, bottled in specially shaped bottles covered with straw. Wine is consumed young.
Maconian wines- expensive varieties of wines produced west of the city of Macon, located on the banks of the Saone River in southern Burgundy. Red Maconian wines have a pleasant taste with less pronounced fruit flavor than boujo-le. The most famous is Pouilly-Fuissé.
Marsala- the best of the famous Italian fortified wines produced in the area of the city of the same name in the west of the island of Sicily. The properties are reminiscent of sherry and are usually served as apperitifs. They have an intense brown color and a molasses (black treacle) smell.
Meursault- dry white Burgundy wine with a nutty flavor, produced in the area of the cities of Meursault and Volney in the Côte de Beaune. It has a greenish-golden color, good body, but slightly harsh taste. Refers to the best Burgundy wines.
Montrachet- a classic white Burgundy wine, perhaps the most famous and expensive of all French white wines. Produced in Côte de Beaune from Chardonnay grapes. The wine has a slightly golden color with a greenish tint, an unusual soft bouquet and aroma.
Moulin-a-van- the best of red wines of the boujolé type. It has intense color and astringency. After bottling, it is aged for 8 to 10 years, in contrast to the two to three years of aging for a regular boujolé.
Musigny- recognized as one of the best Burgundy wines produced in Côte Dore. Musigny has an attractive subtlety of taste. It is slightly lighter than Chambertin, and is often considered "ladies'."
Muscadet- a delicate light white wine produced in the Loire River valley. The wine has a lighter and more delicate aroma than white Burgundy wines, and a dryish fruity taste.
Nuits-Saint-Georges- a fine red Burgundy wine produced in the city of the same name in the southern part of the Côte de Nuits. This is a soft, well-balanced red wine, reminiscent of red Cote de Nuits in taste, but more persistent. It has a more intense color than red wines like Côtes de Beaune.
Orvieto- Italian light white wine produced in the area of the city of the same name in the center of Italy between Florence and Rome. Vineyards in these places alternate with fields and groups of trees. This sweet wine is bottled in straw-wrapped bottles.
Sediment- in the best varieties of wine, especially those that improve with aging, sedimentation occurs. In white wines it appears in the form of crystals at the bottom of the bottle, in red wines it appears in the form of large brownish flakes or a thick crust on the glass of the bottle.
Sediment indicates the high quality of the wine. Aged wine without sediment on the bottle can cause suspicion. With proper service in a restaurant, sediment should not fall into the glass. You can make sure of this by asking the waiter to pour the wine. In this case, a small amount of wine without sediment is poured into a glass to taste the aroma
Smudges, or dried traces of wine on the surface of the glass indicate its fullness. The thicker and more uniform the dried smudges look, the higher the fullness of this type of wine.
Pomerol- one of the best Bordeaux wines, produced only in the city of the same name, located 25 miles from Bordeaux. It is considered the finest and at the same time the most refined of red Bordeaux wines. Pomerol wine matures quickly (usually within five years, unlike Medoc wines, which take 8-10 years), has a bright red color, a velvety texture and an intense aroma.
Pouilly-fuisse- an excellent dry white Burgundy wine made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown west of Macon in southern Burgundy.
Pouilly-fumé- dry white wine, usually made from light Sauvignon grapes in the Upper Loire Valley. When ripe it has a smoky green color and a spicy taste with a metallic aftertaste. After bottling, it is aged for one to two years.
Completeness- the concept of fullness includes the degree of impact of wine on the taste organs, its impatience and texture
Spice- the concept refers to Concord type wines produced from the American grape varieties "Vitis Labrus-ca" in New York State and having a specific spice.
Rose- this is the designation for rosé wines, the best varieties of which are made from a mixture of dark and light grape varieties, and the skins of the berries are removed shortly after the start of fermentation.
San Emilion- red wines produced in the most fertile part of Burgundy. The best vintage wines of this type are priced slightly lower than Medoc wines. They are refined, tart, warm and ripen slower than Pomerol, but faster than Medoc.
Saint Julien- soft and delicate Bordeaux wines, fuller than Margaux, more fragrant than San Estefe and ripen faster than Pauillac.
Balance- a harmonious combination of the main indicators in wine7 - dryness, acidity, aroma, bouquet, fullness and maturity. In a good wine, each of these indicators is combined with others: a sweet wine should have some acidity, a light wine with a weak bouquet should have a relatively low body, a wine with a more intense bouquet should have a higher body.
Soave- one of the best Italian white wines produced in northern Italy east of Verona at the foot of the Alps. This is a simple, dry, white wine with a distinctive fresh aroma. Bottled in specific green glass bottles. Aging should not exceed three years.
Spirituality- in most table wines the spirit (alcohol content) ranges from 9 - 13%. Mosel wines have a lower spirituality, while Châteaunay-du-Pape and Barolo wines have a higher spirituality. White wines with higher spirits have greater body and less finesse compared to wines with lower alcohol content. Low spirit wines should be consumed soon after production as they do not ripen well.
Dryness- lack of sweetness in the taste of wine. Common dry wines include Chablis, Muscadet, Verdicchio and Grave.
Tavel- one of the most famous rosé wines produced in the Rhone River valley north of Avignon. The wine has an orange-pink color, intense aroma and bouquet. Wines of this type are aged for at least two years.
Astringency- a positive property of white wines, characterizing their dryness and harshness. Connoisseurs use this concept when determining the degree of maturation of wine. The term is most often used to describe wines such as Chablis-grand-cru and other high-quality Burgundy wines.
Subtlety- is a rather subjective assessment of such indicators as fullness, color, maturity. This is an extremely elusive property of fine vintage wines that distinguishes them from all others.
Fruity (fruit) smell- Reminds me of the smell of fresh fruit. Inherent in most young wines, especially the boujo-le type. Wines produced in New York State in the USA, especially tart varieties, have a pronounced fruity aroma
Sherry- fortified wines of golden amber color, most often consumed as an aperitif. Traditionally produced in the area of the city of Jerez de la Frontera in south-eastern Spain.
Color(color) - a good wine should have transparent, unclouded shades of color. Dry white wines should have a greenish-yellowish color, sweeter varieties should have a golden color. Oxidized white wine has a brownish tint. This is a bad sign, indicating his “maderization”. Young red wines have purple hues; as they mature, they take on brownish tones. The French phrase "pelure doignon" ("onion skin") refers to the slightly brownish rim observed in healthy vintage wines.
You should be wary of drinking wines that have dirty color tones.
Flower smell- floral aromas of wines can be reminiscent of violets, roses or mountain flowers. Wines produced in northern Italy, as well as the best varieties of Mosel wines, have this smell.
Chablis- dry white Burgundy wines made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes in the area of the town of Chablis, southeast of Paris. They have a pale straw color and a specific “flint” flavor. In the USA and other wine-producing countries, the Chablis type includes a variety of wines made from various grape varieties with varying proportions of Chardonnay grapes.
Chambertin- one of the best red Burgundy wines, produced in limited quantities in the north of Côte-Dore. This is a very expensive, refined and persistent wine, the production of which dates back to 600 AD. Known as the favorite wine of Napoleon and Alexandre Dumas.
Champagne- a general designation for various sparkling wines. In France, champagnes include specific sparkling white wines made from a mixture of different varieties of light grapes growing in a strictly limited area east of Paris. Wines of this type are bottled in uniquely shaped bottles with specific corks, since fermentation occurs inside the bottle itself, and the sediment is removed directly through the neck of an inverted bottle.
Alsace wines- fragrant, dry, usually white wines made in French Alsace from Gewurztraminer and Riesling grapes. Bottled in elongated green glass bottles, similar to bottles for Moselle wines in Germany.
