Production : 7-8 billion bottles
were produced in the year 2005. France has second largest area allocated
for vineyards. Along with Italy, France competes to be the largest
producer of wine in the world.
Wine Styles: There are two
distinct ways how French wines are defined
Terroir : this is a style
which emphasizes on the specific location of where the grapes are grown
and the wine is made.
Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC)
: this style emphasizes on the grape varietals and wine making
practices of the several geographically
defined appellations.
Grape Varieties: Although many
grape varietals are grown in France, but more importantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah
are prominent.
Wine Regions: Here is a list of all the
wine regions of France. (click on the name to go into detail page of
that region)
Alsace
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Champagne
Corsica
Jura
Languedoc-Roussillon
Loire
Provence
Rhone
Savoy
South West France
