Mais Oui... The French love affair with wine!

The French have been producing wine for centuries, and their love for the drink is well-known. Historically, French wines were some of the best in the world and remain so today. There are many different types of French wine, from Bordeaux's dry reds to Champagne's sparkling whites. The most famous French wines are those from the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions.

French wine is often seen as being about culture and tradition. This is reflected in how it is produced, with many winemakers using traditional methods passed down through generations. The grapes used in French wine are also typically traditional varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Around 60% of French wine is exported annually, with the UK being one of the biggest importers. In total, France exports approximately €8 billion worth of wine annually. Surprisingly, despite its large population, the US is not one of the top markets for French wine. This is partly due to the high tariffs on imported wine in the US.

There are several well-known producers of French wine, such as Nicolas Feuillatte and Louis Jadot. These brands are widely available in supermarkets and wine stores around the world. However, many smaller, independent producers also make unique and exciting wines.

France has several important wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Each region produces its own unique types of wines. The most expensive French wine ever sold was a Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1869, which went for $156,000 at auction.

Some pioneers of French wine include Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who wrote about the merits of wine in his book "Emile," and Alexis de Tocqueville, who wrote about the role that wine played in French society. It is estimated that about 25 per cent of all the wine made in France is exported to other countries.

The French love of wine is evident in the way that it is deeply intertwined with culture. Wine is often seen as a symbol of sophistication and refinement. It is commonly consumed at important social occasions, such as weddings and business meetings.

French wine has a long and rich history dating back to Roman times. The Romans planted the first vines in Gaul (present-day France), and introduced winemaking to the country. Since then, the French have perfected the art of winemaking, producing some of the finest wines in the world.

There are many different types of French wine, from light and refreshing whites to rich and full-bodied reds. The best-known wines include Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. They are produced in specific regions of France with ideal grapevine growing conditions.

The Varieties

Champagne is the most famous type of French wine. It is a sparkling wine made from a blend of several different types of grapes. Champagne is typically consumed on special occasions like weddings and New Year's Eve.

Bordeaux is another renowned type of French wine. It is a red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Bordeaux wines are known for their complex flavours and aromas. The best Bordeaux wines can age for decades, developing even more intricate flavour profiles over time.

Burgundy is a type of red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. Burgundy wines are typically lighter in the body than Bordeaux wines. They have delicate flavours and aromas, making them some of the most food-friendly wines in the world.