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Traveling to France

France is the crown jewel of wine.  This culture established the "Noble Grapes" - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah (Shiraz), Riesling and Semillon.  The concept that Terroir, the unique growing conditions of little patches of ground, could be reflected in the wine is French.  Basically, France defined what wine should taste like internationally.  The two most expensive wines in the world are French, one a Bordeaux, one a Burgundy.  Great French wines, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, and Alsace can last 50 years or more.  So, if you are not trying to visit France wineries, you really are not trying to understand wine.

Riquewihr in Alsace.

France has some of the greatest regions in the world and still ranks as the biggest producer of wine world wide.  Bordeaux is the home of amazing Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blends.  Bourgogne (Burgundy) is the home of the greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and honestly Gamay in Beaujolais is one of the best daily drinking wines on the planet.  The Loire Valley is both the summer home of Kings and the home of Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc and delightful Muscadet!.  Chenin Blanc in the Loire can age 50-100 years!  Add the incredible rosé from Provence, the amazingly historical Chateauneuf du Pape and you can the most singular wine country to visit.  But, that's not all!  Languedoc-Roussillion is home to wonderful quality (and the most amazing walled city - Carcassonne!), Alsace is a tremendous gem of dry whites and Savoie and Jura make some interesting and lesser known biodynamic wines.  Oh, I forgot to mention Champagne...  Do I need to?

Clos de Veugeot and surrounding fields.

A trip to France is a must for anyone wanting to really understand and appreciate wine.  There is nothing like the quality.  A Somm Abroad can help you connect with wineries all over France and recommend wines that will fit your palate.

Varietals

Red

  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Syrah
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Grenache
  • Mourvèdre
  • Malbec

White

  • Chardonnay
  • Sémillon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Riesling
  • Viognier
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Gewurtztraminer
  • Pinot Gris
  • Marsanne
  • Aligoté

Notable Names

  • Too many to place here.  See the regional names.

Notable Regions

  • Bordeaux
  • Burgundy
  • Loire
  • Champagne
  • Rhone
  • Alsace
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Provence
  • Savoie
  • Jura
  • Corsica