The Different Types of French Wines and Their Characteristics

One of the most well-known wine-producing nations in the world, France is renowned for its wide variety of wine styles. Here are the different types of French wines and their characteristics:

Bordeaux wines: Bordeaux is a region in southwest France that is renowned for making some of the most well-known red wines in the world. These wines often contain black currant, tobacco, and cedar notes and are produced from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

Burgundy wines: Some of the most well-known Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world are made in the Burgundy area in eastern France. These wines offer rich tastes and aromas of cherry, raspberry, mushroom, and earthy undertones.

Champagne: Champagne is a sparkling wine produced exclusively in France’s Champagne region. The region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions give Champagne its distinct character and flavor profile. In order for a sparkling wine to be called Champagne, it must meet certain production criteria, including using specific grape varieties, undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle, and being aged for a minimum of 15 months (or longer for vintage Champagnes).

Rhône wines: A region in southeast France called the Rhône Valley is renowned for producing full-flavored, rich red wines from Syrah grapes. Herbs, black pepper, and blackberry flavours can all be found in these wines.

Loire wines: White wines made from Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are famously produced in the Loire Valley, a region in northwest France. These wines feature notes of citrus, mineral, and green apple.

Alsace wines: The northeastern French area of Alsace is renowned for its aromatic white wines made from Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer grapes. These wines have flavors of peach, apricot, and floral notes.

Provence wines: Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre grapes are used to make the dry, crisp rosé wines that are so popular in Provence, a region in southern France. These wines have flavors of red berries, citrus, and a hint of spice.

Overall, French wines are known for their complexity and depth of flavor, and the country’s diverse range of wine styles means that there is a French wine for every palate.

Our customised French wine tours typically allow visitors to tailor their itinerary to their preferences and interests. Depending on your preference, our customised wine tours may include visits to famous wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône, Loire, and Alsace, or may focus on specific wine types such as red, white, sparkling, or rosé wines. Contact Ross Wine Tours today to know more about our Luxury French Wine Tours.