World Wine Education: France

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France in Brief France Features France, the truest word in wine. Though many countries all over the world produce amazing wines, no other country can do so much, so well, and so naturally. France’s geography allows the perfect growing conditions for a vast number of grapes while other countries must rely on technology for improved growing and production conditions. Even today, with wine production reaching new heights in quality the world over, makers and consumers alike compare their best to France’s best for perspective. The French wine industry is one of the most closely monitored regions anywhere, with strict quality standards and bottle labeling. Some regions’ labels are more mysterious than others, however, there is a basic tier system in use that can be outlined as follows, in descending order of importance: “appellation d’origine controlee” or AOC, “vins delimites di qualite superieure” or VDQS (this designation is currently being phased out of the system), “vins de pays” and “vin de table”. After these designations, things get a little confusing. Every region has further designations, most of which differ from one another, often using the same words, but having different meanings. An AOC in Bordeuax can be a giant area encompassing several communes, whereas one in Burgundy might be a tiny parcel of vineyard within a vineyard. On top of this designation, there are further specifications, and again, these differ by region and sometimes even within the region. For further information we suggest using a good resource such as Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine or more specific texts such as Robert Parker Jr.’s Bordeaux. Now, let’s play ball! Producer Varietal Vintage Price Buy Now Drouhin Chardonnay 1997 8.99 Details Drouhin Pinot Noir 1997 10.99 Details Drouhin Burgundy White 1997 36.99 Details Drouhin Burgundy White 1997 8.99 Details Drouhin Burgundy White 1997 15.99 Details Drouhin Pinot Noir 1997 34.99 Details Drouhin French White 1998 41.99 Details Drouhin Burgundy Red 1997 41.99 Details

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