Learning how to taste wine
Wine is a complex beverage, or at least it should be, and to understand a wine’s complexity and depth you need to analyze it.
French Wines
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to French Wines.
Here you will find everything you need to know about French Wine, tips for starting your very own wine cellar, wine tasting and details of the different types of French wine.
If you can't find what you are looking for in the index please scroll down the page where you can view all our articles about French wines.
An introduction to wineEverything you always wanted to know about wine in France. |
Varieties of French wineDescriptions of the various types of French wine. |
Latest articles on French winesView all
Starting a Wine Cellar
Do you love wine and dream of having a wine cellar of your own instead of just buying a bottle when needed? This simple guide to starting a wine cellar will show you how to go about it.
An Introduction to Wine
A brief introduction to wine, its components and how it is made. Wine is produced from the fermented juice of the grapes of the Vitis Vinifera, a species of vine known to man for millennia. A number of natural factors are important …
Off to the Vineyard: Investing in Wine Production
Investing in a vineyard is a common dream and certainly a growing trend. But it can be a risky and ruinous business if not given proper consideration. It is not simply a case of buying a lovely country home,…
Château Canet: Vineyard and Wine-making Tours
At Château Canet, we believe that good wine is the result of a combination of good “terroir”, the proper tools and a talented winemaker. Floris and Victoria Lemstra have been at Château Canet for ten years, during which time…
French flavours in the kitchen: cooking with cognac
Using a star French ingredient, a chef rustles up a long summer cocktail and one à la carte dish with cognac …
The two methods behind French sparkling wines
There are two main methods of making sparkling wine, the Méthode Champenoise and the Méthode Charmat. What is the difference?
Kir and its royal variations: a French apéritif for special occasions
Most of you have probably tried kir royal, a champagne-based apéritif with a measure of blackcurrant cream liqueur (crème de cassis). But how many of you have tasted kir with white wine, red wine or even cider? Find out about how the Frenchenjoy Kir and how to make a kir with a difference…
Vin chaud, a classic French winter warmer
Christmas in a glass! A classic recipe for vin chaud, the traditional French winter warmer, with red wine, orange and spices. It’s so easy to make at home…
Visiting a Noilly Prat manufacturer in Languedoc
Whilst in Marseillan I experienced a wonderful new event being presented by Noilly Prat, the vermouth manufacturers famously situated here by the port. I want to keep it a secret but it’s just so special that it needs to be shared…
Champagne and Burgundy on new UNESCO heritage list
Two of France’s most revered wine-growing regions have made it onto the newly released list of UNESCO World Heritage’s cultural sites. The ‘1,247 Climats and terroirs of Burgundy’ and ‘Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars’ were added to the illustrious list following…
Restaurant Between Limoux and Carcassonne – Domaine Gayda
Ten minutes drive from Limoux, atop a raised field of vines stands an impressive domaine. The broad driveway cuts up through the vineyard conjuring an image of bygone grandeur. This is “Domaine Gayda”, the new face of wine and cuisine in the Languedoc Roussillon.
Byrrh – the Famous Languedoc Roussillon Aperitif
Drive around the villages of the Languedoc Roussillon and you’re bound to see the very strange word ”Byrrh” painted onto the sides of buildings in fading lettering. FrenchEntrée explores the origins of the historic Byrrh apertif, one of the most iconic products of the Languedoc Roussillon.
Sunshine in a bottle: a winemaker in Provence
Meet Stephen and Jeany, a couple who traded their former lives for a fresh start in Provence, where their wine is making waves.
Bordeaux wine 2014: a vintage to remember
Good news: late September sun has resulted in a “rare” year. All types, red, white, rosé and dessert wines have benefited from the extended kiss of sunshine.
It’s Beaujolais Nouveau day in France! Perfect excuse for a wine-tasting party.
The third Thursday of November can only mean on thing in France: Beaujolais Nouveau! Every year at this time the vin primeur is released to the market.
Champagne Etiquette – Decoding the label
Champagne sparkling wine is the king of wines. Understanding the label can help you navigate your way to the best match for your personal taste and budget.
Château de Valmer, Tours: flora, fauna and wine
Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Brenne Valley resides the Château de Valmer, a Renaissance estate encircled by 60 hectares of flawlessly preened gardens. Built over the 16th and 17th centuries, the original château was devastated by a fire in…