French Wine - UNIT-2 & 3 Wines PDF

**French wine** French wine is produced in several regions throughout [France](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France), in quantities between 50 and 60 million [hectolitres](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hectolitre) per year, or 7--8 billion bottles. France has the world\'s second-largest total vineyar...

**French wine** French wine is produced in several regions throughout [France](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France), in quantities between 50 and 60 million [hectolitres](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hectolitre) per year, or 7--8 billion bottles. France has the world\'s second-largest total vineyard area, behind [Spain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_wine). The wines produced today range from expensive high-end wines sold internationally, to more modest wines usually only seen within France. Two concepts central to higher end French wines are the notion of \"[terroir](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir)\", which links the style of the wines to the specific locations where the grapes are grown and the wine is made, and the [Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27Origine_Contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) (AOC) system. Appellation rules closely define which grape varieties and winemaking practices are approved for classification in each of France\'s several hundred geographically defined appellations, which can cover entire regions, individual villages or even specific vineyards. History French wine originated in the 6th century BC, with the colonization of Southern [Gaul](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul) by [Greek](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeks) settlers. [Viticulture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viticulture) soon flourished with the founding of the Greek colony of [Marseille](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille). During the [Middle Ages](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages), [monks](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monks) maintained vineyards and, more importantly, conserved wine-making knowledge and skills during that often turbulent period. The advance of the French wine industry stopped abruptly as first [Mildew](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildew) and then [Phylloxera](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phylloxera) spread throughout the country, indeed across all of Europe, leaving vineyards desolate. Then came an economic downturn in Europe followed by two world wars, and the French wine industry didn\'t fully recover for decades. Meanwhile competition had arrived and threatened the treasured French \"brands\" such as Champagne and Bordeaux. This resulted in the establishment in 1935 of the [Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27Origine_Contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) to protect French interests. Quality levels and appellation system In 1935 numerous laws were passed to control the quality of French wine. They established the [Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27Origine_Contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) system, which is governed by a powerful oversight board (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine -- [INAO](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institut_National_des_Appellations_d%27Origine)). Consequently, France has one of the oldest systems for [protected designation of origin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_designation_of_origin) for wine in the world, and strict laws concerning winemaking and production. French law divides wine into four categories, two falling under the **European Union\'s Table Wine category** and two falling under the **EU\'s *Quality Wine Produced in a Specific Region* (QWPSR) designation.** **France is divided into several famous wine regions, each with its unique characteristics. Understanding these regions is key to understanding French wines:** - - - - - - - ### Grape Varieties Understanding the key grape varieties helps students identify the styles associated with various regions: - - - - - - - - - - - - ### Terroir Concept The term **terroir** is central to French wine philosophy. Terroir refers to the combination of climate, soil, terrain, and tradition in a particular area, which gives the wine its unique characteristics. For example, Pinot Noir from Burgundy will taste very different from Pinot Noir grown elsewhere due to Burgundy's specific terroir. **[[Table wine]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_wine):** - - **QWPSR**: - - **Reforms** The wine classification system of France has been under overhaul since 2006, with a new system to be fully introduced by 2012. The new system consists of three categories rather than four, since there will be no category corresponding to VDQS from 2012. The new categories are: French wines are classified based on origin, with strict regulations to ensure quality. Here's an overview of the classification hierarchy: #### Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) - - - #### Vin de Pays (IGP -- Indication Géographique Protégée) - - - #### #### Vin de France - - - **[Wine styles, grape varieties]** All common styles of wine -- [red](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_wine), [rosé](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ros%C3%A9_wine), [white](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_wine) (dry,semi-sweet and [sweet](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_wine)), [sparkling](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_wine) and [fortified](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortified_wine) -- are produced in France. In many respects, French wines have more of a regional than a national identity, as evidenced by different grape varieties, production methods and different classification systems in the various regions. Quality levels and prices vary enormously, and some wines are made for immediate consumption while others are meant for long-time cellaring. Most French wines are developed as wines meant to accompany food, be it a quick [baguette](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguette), a simple [bistro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bistro) meal, or a full-fledged multi-course menu. Since the French tradition is to serve wine with food, wines have seldom been developed or styled as \"bar wines\" for drinking on their own. **Grape varieties** Numerous [grape varieties](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape_variety) are cultivated in France, most of the so-called \"[international varieties](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_varieties)\" are of French origin, or became known and spread because of their cultivation in France.  Most varieties of grape are primarily associated with a certain region, such as Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and Syrah in Rhône, although there are some varieties that are found in two or more regions, such as Chardonnay in Bourgogne (including Chablis) and Champagne, and Sauvignon Blanc in Loire and Bordeaux. Traditionally, many French wines have been blended from several grape varieties. [[Varietal]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varietal) white wines have been, and are still, more common than varietal red wines. **White varieties** **Red varieties** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *[ [Ugni Blanc](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugni_Blanc)]* *[ [Merlot](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlot)]* *[ [Chardonnay](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay)]* *[ [Grenache](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenache)]* *[ [Melon de Bourgogne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melon_de_Bourgogne)]* [*[Syrah]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrah) *[ [Sémillon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9millon)]* [*[Carignan]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carignan) [*[Sauvignon Blanc]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauvignon_Blanc) [*[Cabernet Sauvignon]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Sauvignon) [*[Chenin Blanc]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenin_Blanc) [*[Cabernet Franc]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Franc) [*[Grenache Blanc]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenache_Blanc) [*[Gamay]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamay) [*[Viognier]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viognier) [*[Pinot Noir]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Noir) [*[Aligoté]*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aligot%C3%A9) *[ [Grolleau](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grolleau_(grape))]* *[. [Riesling](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riesling)]* *[ [Pinot Meunier](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Meunier)]* **Labelling practices** The amount of information included on French wine labels varies depending on which region the wine was made in, and what level of classification the wine carries. As a minimum, labels will usually state that classification, as well as the name of the producer, and, for wines above the Vin De Table level, will also include the geographical area where the wine was made. Sometimes that will simply be the wider region where the wine was made, but some labels, especially for higher quality wines, will also include details of the individual village or commune, and even the specific vineyard where the wine was sourced. With the exception of [[wines from the Alsace region]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsace_wine), Labels will also indicate where the wine was bottled, which can be an indication as to the quality level of the wine, and whether it was bottled by a single producer, or more anonymously and in larger quantities: **Wine regions of France** The recognized wine producing areas in France are regulated by the Institut National des Appellations d\'Origine -- INAO. Every appellation in France is defined by INAO, in regards to the individual regions particular wine \"character\". If a wine fails to meet the INAO\'s strict criteria it is declassified into a lower appellation or even into Vin de Pays or Vin de Table. **Alsace Bordeaux.** **Burgundy Champagne** **Corsica Loire** **Jura Languedoc-Roussillon** **Provence Rhône** **Savoy South West France** Fine Wine & Good Spirits: Learn About Wine Regions in France **Alsace** [Alsace](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsace_wine) is primarily a white-wine region, though some red, rosé, sparkling and sweet wines are also produced. It is situated in eastern France on the river [Rhine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhine) and borders Germany, a country with which it shares many grape varieties as well as a long tradition of varietal labelling. Grapes grown in Alsace include [Riesling](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riesling), [Gewurztraminer](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gewurztraminer), [Pinot Gris](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Gris), [Pinot Blanc](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Blanc),[Pinot Noir](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Noir), and [Muscat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscat_(grape_and_wine)). ### Bottles There is a legal requirement for bottling Alsace wine in tall bottles commonly called [flûtesd\'Alsace](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fl%C3%BBtes_d%27Alsace&action=edit&redlink=1). In the AOC rules, the bottle type is actually called vin du Rhin, i.e., \"Rhine wine bottle\". Without being mandated by law, this bottle format is also common and traditional in many German regions, particularly for Riesling and other traditional white wine varieties. **Grape varieties:** [[Riesling]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riesling) [[Pinot Noir]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Noir) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Gewürztraminer]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gew%C3%BCrztraminer) [[Sylvaner]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvaner) [[Pinot Gris]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Gris) [[Pinot Blanc]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Blanc) [[Auxerrois Blanc]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxerrois_Blanc) [[Chasselas]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasselas) Champagne ========= [Champagne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(wine_region)), situated in eastern France, close to Belgium and [Luxembourg](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg), is the coldest of France\'s major wine regions and home to its major sparkling wine. Champagne wines can be both white and rosé. A small amount of still wine is produced in Champagne (as AOC CoteauxChampenois) of which some can be red wine. Champagne is a [sparkling wine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_wine) produced by inducing the in-bottle [secondary fermentation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_fermentation_(wine)) of the wine to affect [carbonation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonation). It is produced exclusively within the [Champagne region](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(wine_region)) of France, from which it takes its name. The primary [grapes](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grape) used in the production of Champagne are [Pinot noir](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_noir), [Chardonnay](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay) and [Pinot Meunier](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Meunier). Production ---------- ***Méthode Champenoise*** is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced. After primary [fermentation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermentation_(wine)) and bottling, a second alcoholic fermentation occurs in the bottle. This second fermentation is induced by adding several grams of yeast (usually [Saccharomyces cerevisiae](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharomyces_cerevisiae), although each brand has its own secret recipe) and several grams of rock sugar. According to the [Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27Origine_Contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) a minimum of 1.5 years is required to completely develop all the flavour. After aging, the bottle is manipulated, either manually or mechanically, in a process called remuage, so that the [lees](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lees_(fermentation)) settle in the neck of the bottle. After chilling the bottles, the neck is frozen, and the cap removed. The pressure in the bottle forces out the ice containing the lees, and the bottle is quickly corked to maintain the [carbon dioxide](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide) in solution. Some syrup (le dosage) is added to maintain the level within the bottle. **Champagne producers** There are more than one hundred Champagne houses and 19,000 smaller *vignerons* (vine-growing producers) in Champagne. These companies manage some 32,000 hectares of vineyards in the region. The type of Champagne producer can be identified from the abbreviations followed by the official number on the bottle: - - - - - - - Grape varieties and styles -------------------------- Champagne is a single [[Appellation d\'Origine Contrôlée]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27Origine_Contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e). As a general rule, grapes used must be the white [[Chardonnay]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay), or the dark-skinned \"red wine grapes\" [[Pinot Noir]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Noir) or [[Pinot Meunier]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_Meunier). Due to the gentle pressing of the grapes and absence of skin contact during fermentation, the dark-skinned varieties also yield a white wine. Most Champagnes are made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, for example 60%/40%. Blanc de blanc (\"white from white\") Champagnes are made from 100% Chardonnay. Possibly the most exquisite of these is grown in a single [[Grand cru]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_cru) vineyard in Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger for [[Salon]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_Salon). Blanc de noir (\"white from black\") Champagne is pressed from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or a mix of the two. The dark-skinned Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier give the wine its length and backbone. They are predominantly grown in two areas -- the Montagne de Reims and the Valée de la Marne. Chardonnay gives the wine its acidity and biscuit flavour. ### Types of Champagne Most of the Champagne produced today is \"Non-[[vintage]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vintage)\", meaning that it is a blended product of grapes from multiple vintages. Most of the base will be from a single year vintage with producers blending anywhere from 10--15% (even as high as 40%) of wine from older vintages.  If the conditions of a particular vintage are favourable, some producers will make a [\"Vintage]\" wine that must be composed of at least 85% of the grapes from vintage year. Under Champagne wine regulations, houses that make both vintage and non-vintage wines are allowed to use no more than 80% of the total vintage\'s harvest for the production of vintage Champagne. #### Prestige *cuvée* A cuvée de prestige is a proprietary blended wine (usually a Champagne) that is considered to be the top of a producer\'s range. Famous examples include [Louis Roederer\'s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Roederer) [Cristal](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristal_(champagne)), [Laurent-Perrier\'s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurent-Perrier)Grand Siècle, [Moët &Chandon\'s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo%C3%ABt_%26_Chandon) [Dom Pérignon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_P%C3%A9rignon_(wine)), [Duval-Leroy\'s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duval-Leroy) Cuvée Femme and [Pol Roger\'s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pol_Roger) Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill. Perhaps the original prestige cuvée was Moët &Chandon\'s Dom Pérignon, launched in 1936 with the 1921 vintage. #### *Blanc de noirs* A French term (literally \"white of blacks\") for a white wine produced entirely from black grapes. Black, or red, grapes have a white flesh and grape juice obtained after minimal possible contact with the skins produces white wine, the colour often described as white-yellow, white-grey, or silvery. ***Blanc de blancs*** A French term that means \"white of whites\", and is used to designate Champagnes made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. A famous example is [[Ruinart]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruinart_(champagne)). #### Rosé Champagne The [[rosé]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ros%C3%A9) wines of Champagne (also known as **Pink Champagne**) are produced either by leaving the clear juice of black grapes to [[macerate]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macerate_(wine)) on its skins for a brief time (known as the saigneé method) or, more commonly, by adding a small amount of still Pinot noir red wine to the sparkling wine *cuvee*. Rosé Champagne is one of the few wines that allows the production of Rosé by the addition a small amount of red wine during blending. ### Sweetness The amount of sugar (dosage) added after the second fermentation and aging varies and will dictate the sweetness level of the Champagne. - - - The most common is Brut, although throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century Champagne was generally much sweeter than it is today. Champagne bottles ----------------- ### Champagne corks Champagne corks are built from several sections and are referred to as aglomerated corks. The mushroom shape that occurs in the transition is a result of the bottom section, which is in contact with the wine, being composed of two stacked discs of pristine cork, cemented to the upper portion which is a conglomerate of ground cork and glue. Prior to insertion, a sparkling wine cork is almost 50% larger than the opening of the bottle. The aging of the Champagne post disgorgement can to some degree be told by the cork, as the longer it has been in the bottle the less it returns to its original cylinder shape. **Opening Champagne bottles** To reduce the risk of spilling or spraying any Champagne, open the Champagne bottle by holding the cork and rotating the bottle at an angle in order to ease out the stopper. This method, as opposed to pushing the cork out, prevents the cork from flying out of the bottle at speed. A [[sabre]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabre) can be used to open a Champagne bottle with great ceremony. This technique is called [[sabrage]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabrage) (the term is also used for simply breaking the head of the bottle). Loire Valley (wine) =================== [Loire valley](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loire_Valley_(wine)) is a primarily white-wine region that stretches over a long distance along the Loire River in central and western France, and where grape varieties and wine styles vary along the river. Four sub-regions are situated along the river: - - - - **Climate and geography** The Loire river has a significant effect on the [mesoclimate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesoclimate) of the region, adding the necessary extra few [degrees](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degree_(temperature)) of temperature that allows grapes to grow when the areas to the north and south of the Loire Valley have shown to be unfavorable to viticulture. The area has a [continental climate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_climate_(wine)) that is influenced heavily by the Loire River and the Atlantic ocean at the western edge of the region. The climate can be very cool with spring time [frost](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost) being a potential hazard for the vines. During the [harvest](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvest_(wine)) months rain can cause the grapes to be harvested under ripe but can also aid in the development of [Botrytis cinerea](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botrytis_cinerea) for the region\'s dessert wines. Wine regions ------------ The Loire Valley is often divided into three sections. The **Upper Loire** includes the Sauvignon blanc dominated areas of [[Sancerre]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sancerre) and Pouilly-Fumé. The **Middle Loire** is dominated by more Chenin blanc and Cabernet franc wines found in the regions around [[Touraine]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touraine), [[Saumur]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saumur), [[Chinon]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinon)and [[Vouvray]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vouvray). The **Lower Loire** that leads to the mouth of the river\'s entrance to the Atlantic goes through the Muscadet region which is dominated by wines of the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Rhône wine ========== [Rhone Valley](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rh%C3%B4ne_wine) is primarily a red-wine region in south-eastern France, along the [Rhône River](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rh%C3%B4ne_River). The Rhône wine region in [Southern France](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_France) is situated in the [Rhône river](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rh%C3%B4ne_river) valley and produces numerous wines under various [Appellation d\'origine contrôlée](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27origine_contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) (AOC) designations. The region\'s major appellation in production volume is [Côtes du Rhône AOC](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4tes_du_Rh%C3%B4ne_AOC). The Rhône is generally divided into two sub-regions with distinct vinicultural traditions, the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. The northern sub-region produces red wines from the [Syrah](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrah) grape, sometimes blended with white wine grapes, and white wines from [Viognier](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viognier)grapes. The southern sub-region produces an array of red, white and rosé wines, often blends of several grapes such as in [Châteauneuf-du-Pape](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teauneuf-du-Pape_AOC). Production ---------- The various AOC wines of the Rhône Valley region are produced by over 6,000 wine growing properties including 1,837 private wineries and 103 cooperatives.Those vineyard owners which do not vinify their wines themselves deliver their grapes in bulk either to a winemaking cooperative, of which there are 103 in the region, or sell them to one of the 51 [[négociants]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%A9gociant)(wine producers and merchants) who blend, distribute, and export on an industrial scale. Burgundy wine ============= [Burgundy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgundy_wine) or Bourgogne in eastern France is a region where red and white wines are equally important. Probably more terroir-conscious than any other region, Burgundy is divided into the largest number of appellations of any French region. The top wines from Burgundy\'s heartland in [Côte d\'Or](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d%27Or_(escarpment)) command high prices. The Burgundy region is divided in four main parts: The [Cote de Nuits](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cote_de_Nuits) (from Marsannay-La-Cote down to Nuits-Saint-Georges) The [Cote de Beaune](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cote_de_Beaune) (from north of Beaune to Santenay) The [Cote Chalonnaise](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cote_Chalonnaise) The [Maconnais](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maconnais) Two parts of Burgundy that are sometimes considered as separate regions are: - - There are two main grape varieties used in Burgundy -- Chardonnay for white wines, and Pinot Noir for red. White wines are also sometimes made from Aligoté, and other grape varieties will also be found occasionally. **CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY** Burgundy experiences a [continental climate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_climate_(wine)) characterized by very cold winters and hot summers. The weather is very unpredictable with rains, hail, and frost all possible around harvest time. Because of this climate, there is a lot of variation between vintages from Burgundy. Bordeaux wine ============= Bordeaux is a large region on the Atlantic coast, which has a long history of exporting its wines overseas. This is primarily a red wine region, famous for the wines Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Margaux and Château Haut-Brion from the Médoc sub-region; Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone in Saint-Émilion; and Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin in Pomerol. The red wines produced are usually blended, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and sometimes Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux also makes dry and sweet white wines, including some of the world\'s most famous sweet wines from the Sauternes appellation, such as Château d\'Yquem. A Bordeaux wine is any [wine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine) produced in the [Bordeaux](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordeaux) region of [France](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France). Average vintages produce over 700 million bottles of Bordeaux wine, ranging from large quantities of everyday [table wine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_wine), to some of the most expensive and prestigious wines in the world. 89% of wine produced in Bordeaux is red (called \"[claret](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claret)\" in Britain), with notable sweet white wines such as [Chateau d\'Yquem](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chateau_d%27Yquem), dry whites, rosé and sparkling wines ([Crémant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cr%C3%A9mant) de Bordeaux) all making up the remainder. Bordeaux wine is made by more than 8,500 producers or [châteaux](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau). There are 60 [appellations](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appellation_d%27origine_contr%C3%B4l%C3%A9e) of Bordeaux wine. Climate and geography --------------------- The major reason for the success of winemaking in the Bordeaux region is the excellent environment for growing vines. The geological foundation of the region is limestone, leading to a soil structure that is heavy in calcium. The [Gironde estuary](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gironde_estuary) dominates the regions along with its [tributaries](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tributaries), the [Garonne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garonne) and the [Dordogne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dordogne) rivers, and together [irrigate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrigate_(wine)) the land and provide an Atlantic Climate, also known as an [oceanic climate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceanic_climate), for the region. These rivers define the main geographical subdivisions of the region: - - - - - In Bordeaux the concept of [terroir](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir) plays a pivotal role in wine production with the top estates aiming to make terroir driven wines that reflect the place they are from, often from grapes collected from a single vineyard. The soil of Bordeaux is composed of [gravel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravel), [sandy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand) stone, and clay. ### Serving French Wines Correct wine service is crucial in the hospitality industry. Ensure students know: - - - - - -