Famous wines of France. Classification of French wines

France is the oldest region in Europe, which for millennia continues to please its wine traditions. It was here in the 6th century BC the noble drink of Dionysus was born.

How to choose a wine?

For true gourmets, the choice of French varieties is not difficult, but to uninitiated people such diversity can turn a head. Before buying, be sure to look at the labels on the bottle label. It shows the grade, the number of degrees, the type, composition and other nuances that you should not close your eyes to.
Important in choosing a wine of France is the date of production and place of production. On bottles of noble sorts there must necessarily be corresponding distinctive designations, for example a seal or firm signature.

When buying a wine you can not miss a single detail, even the method of production. If the drink is released at the factory, it can be powdered. Having studied the composition, this factor will be able to unravel even a simple philistine. In any case, before buying, you should know the categories, types and types of wine.

Classification by grade composition

Separate the wine can be on different grounds, for example on the content of carbon dioxide or sugar. However, the classification by grade is paramount. These gourmets pay special attention to it. Classification of wines of France on this basis:

- monossepazhnye (made from a single grape variety);
- Assemblage (produced from a mixture of different species).

Also, beverages are divided into the content of carbon dioxide. There is a quiet and sparkling wine. France has always been famous for its "foamy" varieties, such as Foro and Domaine. Quiet wines do not contain carbon dioxide, but in sparkling wines - on the contrary. Today, the second species is very popular in elite restaurants around the world.
By the level of sugar, wines are dry, semi-dry, and also dessert, that is, sweet or semisweet. As for the alcohol content, everything depends on the fermentation method. The amount of alcohol can vary up to 23%.

Classification by quality

Not many people know that French wines are base with flavor additives. The first level of quality just refers to those. This is the VDT standard, that is, table varieties. They are made from grapes, which are often grown in other countries by local technologies. Most often these wines are assemblage. The requirements for them are minimal, so the price is relatively low. The alcohol content is up to 15%.

The second level of quality is VDP, or "local" varieties. Requirements for such beverages are slightly higher than for table. They should be made from grapes grown only in a certain territory under specific conditions. These varieties are subject to thorough tasting. They are rich in taste characteristics and contain at least 9% alcohol. The cost of such a bottle is moderate and depends on the variety.

The best wines of France belong to the AOC category. The whole process of production from harvesting to bottling is controlled by a special commission. All details are important here: where and how the grapes are grown, where it is stored and how it is squeezed, how much time is fermented and even in what barrels. The control is carried out strictly according to the regulations. At the end, the wine is sent to the laboratory by the commission for research and only then for tasting. In order for the manufacturer to get permission to produce the drink, his product must pass a dozen tests, but only in this way it is possible to achieve an ideal result. Understanding what a French wine classification is, can help inexperienced customers in choosing the right sort of variety. It is worth noting that beverages produced in the universally recognized regions (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Languedoc, etc.) are automatically classified as AOC. Belonging to this or that quality level is always indicated on the label, as well as the territory on which the grapes were grown. On some bottles you can find the inscription "premier cru" or "grand cru" - this is an additional classification denoting the higher grades of the product.

Bordeaux wines

These varieties of native Frenchmen are known as "the gifts of the seas". The fact is that the wineries are located between the three rivers: Garonne, Dordogne and the Gironde. Among the elite regions are the Bourget-Blaye, Libourne, Antre-de-Mare, Sauterne and others. In this large area, only Bordeaux wine is produced. France since the beginning of the 19th century has become famous throughout the world thanks to such varieties as Chateau Margo, Semillon and Cabernet Franc.

Bordeaux wines differ markedly from others. The reason for this can be factors such as a mild climate and a special soil structure. In addition, only the best winemakers from all over the country work in this region. In addition to these varieties, there is also the proximity of the ocean, which has a favorable effect on the quality of millshima.

Bordeaux is considered to be one of the best assembly wines in Europe. The traditional white varieties include Semillon, Muscadel and Sauvignon. Red wines of France, produced in the territory of Bordeaux: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Verdo Petit and others. Each of these varieties surprises with its longevity, delicate taste and unique texture. A separate step is the Chateau Margot line, which is considered the most elite "gift of the seas".

Burgundy Wines

These varieties belong only to the upper class "Premium". Burgundy wines of France are distinguished by a soft fruity aftertaste and light astringency.

In the varieties Joseph Drouhin and Faiveley, which appeared only towards the end of the 90s, the apple-melon tincture, oak bark and almond shavings perfectly harmonize. A creamy texture and a light aroma of smoke make this drink unforgettable and incomparable. Variety La Chablisienne has a mysterious golden color with a slight greenish tint. It has an exquisite aroma, which combines an apple, a pear, a peach, an orange peel, and a flowering clover. Due to the restrained buttery taste, there is no strong feeling at 12 degrees.

It should be noted and the Pascal Bouchard, especially the 1998 year of release. This wine - one of the few Burgundy, which fits the category of "Grand." In the people it is called rustic because of a very sharp flavor, but the taste of this drink is very spicy.

You can not ignore the grade La Chablisienne. This golden drink is rich in aromatic ingredients, which includes mint, almond, jasmine, vanilla, and even linden.

Wines of the Loire Valley

It is believed that the first vines in this region was planted by Saint Martin himself back in 380 AD. E. The red wines produced here in France are distinguished by a floral-fruity aroma with delicate notes of tannins.

Of the vast variety of varieties of the Laura Valley, pink Chinon and Bourgueil can be distinguished. In a place called Montluis grow vines, from which they produce dessert wine. Here on the labels you can not see the inscription "semisweet", as such varieties in this region are referred to as "soft". A similar situation with sweet wines, which in the valley of Laura are called liquor.

Shelf life of such varieties is from 10 years. In rare cases, the bottle can be opened after 4 years. The noblest white wine of France and the valley is Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil. Of the other AOC varieties on the Loire territory, it will not be superfluous to mention Daniel Allias, Foreau and Francis Mabille.

Wines of the Rhone Valley

This fertile subregion in France was discovered relatively recently - at the beginning of the new millennium. From the first wines stand out Crozes Hermitage and Gigondas. These drinks are distinguished by strength and saturation. Raspberry, cherry, spices, oak bark and licorice are mixed in the aroma. Towards the end of 2001, the wines of the Chateaunef du Pape line appeared. This dark red drink is remembered by a pronounced aroma of plum with an admixture of smoked meats and spices. Stored up to 15 years.

White wine of France, produced in the valley of the Rhone, is distinguished by a smooth overflow of yellowish tones and striking sophistication of taste. The special ingredients are acacia honey and violet petals. The best representatives of the variety - Hermitage 2000 and Condrieu 2002.

Wines of Roussillon and Languedoc

Prior to Algeria's independence, these varieties ranked first in any exhibitions and international tastings. To date, the realities are such that in this region there is not enough money to create all the necessary conditions for growing grapes, let alone processing it. Unfortunately, the favorable climate and fertile soil is the only thing that the once famous territories of Roussillon and Languedoc can boast.

Many of the local varieties of France's wines have gone to oblivion forever in the early 1980s. However, there are still a few small areas that fit the AOS category. The most famous wines produced in them are Cotes du Rousillon and Coteaux du Languedoc.

In the valley of Roussillon and Languedoc, mainly red and pink varieties are produced.

Wines of Champagne

In this area, the land is strictly divided into villages where only exclusive varieties are grown and processed by secret technology. As you know, the most famous wines of France are red and white champagne. The production of these drinks people in these specialized villages devote their entire lives. The Blanc de Blancs is one of the top three varieties of champagne. Owners of land for decades is the family of Monkeys. The bottle of Blanca 1995 is estimated at thousands of dollars, and all thanks to the refined taste of the drink.

Also in the top three is champagne on the basis of the noble "Pinot-less" variety, which grows only in the areas of Jean Mutardieu in Syurmelen.

Do not forget about the pinkish drink of the Mutar dynasty. On the territory of Côte-de-Bar, one of the best light champagne countries is produced.

Wines of Savoy and Jura

These regions are located a little east of Burgundy, near the Sona River. Due to its successful location winemakers can enjoy their fans all year round with fresh Chardonnays and Château Chalons. Near the Jura mountains, both white and red varieties grow well, so the land owners have a large range for "creativity". It should be noted that the sweetest wines of France are produced in Savoy.

The most popular among the local varieties are red Pulsar, Pinot Noir and Tissaur, as well as white - Savanen and Chardonnay. A distinctive feature of Jura wines is a high fortress - up to 16% alcohol. This is due to a special kind of yeast fungus called mycoderma vini.

The most famous variety of the region is the white Château Chalon.

Wines of Provence

Many people associate these varieties with small villages and flower-strewn fields. Unfortunately, the dry wines of France that are produced within Provence are not as much in demand as similar drinks from Burgundy or Bordeaux, but they have their devoted devotees. The most important representative of the variety is Bandol. This rich red wine is included in the AOC category. It is characterized by a rich aroma of spices, fruits and pine needles. It is aged in oak barrels from 2 years, but the ideal aftertaste is reached only by ten years.

You can also highlight the red wines of the Côte de Provence. They are made from such varieties of grapes as "sira", "carignan", "cunois", "vermentino", "murrvedr", etc.

The most famous and expensive wines of France

To date, the rich from all over the world are willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for the exclusive varieties of Chateau and Monopol. The best wines of France are very expensive, but sometimes only one opportunity in life is to taste them.

The third place is located Chateau Muton-Rothschild. A bottle of 1945 is estimated at 115 thousand dollars. Any self-respecting taster and collector will call this drink a real miracle of winemaking.

On the second line, Chateau Lafite founded in 1787, the year of release. Today the fault of France of this line can be bought in any store, however at that time it was the only bottle in the world with Chateau Lafite. Its cost is estimated at 160 thousand dollars.

The most expensive and exclusive wine of France is Champagne Monopol from the harvest of 1907. The value of the bottle is attached to the fact that it was once presented to Tsar Nicholas II, but was subsequently lost during transportation during the First World War. Nevertheless, in 1998, a group of divers accidentally stumbled upon a valuable cargo. Now the bottle of Monopoly costs not less than 275 thousand dollars.