France produces some of the best wine in the world.
France is known worldwide for its vineyards and superior wine production. France produces more wine than any other country in the world aside from Italy, thanks in part to the ideal grape-growing climate in the country. In 2008, France produced 45,692 hectoliters of wine, with a total of 2,017 acres of land dedicated to vineyards, according to the Wine Institute website. Each vineyard specializes in specific types of grapes, which in turn produce a variety of different French wine types.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux wines come from Bordeaux, the largest wine growing region in the world. These wines are typically red, but white Bordeaux wines are also available. The red Bordeaux wines use primarily Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which can also blend with Merlot or Cabernet France grapes. Red Bordeaux wine bears a slight cigar box scent, with a woody, berry flavor. The dry white wines crated use Sauvignon Blanc grapes with a small amount of Sauvignon Gris, while the sweet white wines use Semillon and Sauvignon grapes, according to Wine Intro.
Chablis
In the 6th century, Romans invading the Chablis region produced the first Chablis in a monastery. Chablis wine is a white wine produced by fermenting Chardonnay grapes grown in rocky flint soil. Chablis wine grows in one of four different appellations--Chablis Grand Cru, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis and Petit Chablis. Each appellation grows different grapes within. According to Wine Intro, Chablis wines have a light, floral and fruity taste. Pair chablis with seafood, such as oysters, and light poultry meals.
Champagne
Champagne refers to a sparkling type of wine produced in the Champagne region of France. The signature bubbles within champagne are the result of a production error in the 18th century, as stated on the website Wine Intro. A monk named Dom Perignon attempted to correct this mistake but decided to clarify and blend the wine instead, turning it into the sparkling drink it is known as today. Champagne usually comes in tall glasses called flutes. Foods that go with champagne include cheeses like cheddar and gouda, seafood such as lobster or scallops as well as chicken.
Muscadet
For those that enjoy shellfish, Muscadet wine is a good wine to have on hand. Muscadet wine comes from the western part of Loire Valley around the city of Nantes. This is a dry white wine that comes from the melon grape, also known as muscadet grapes. According to Terroir France, makers of Muscadet wine often let the grape juice harvested sit through the winter before bottling it. Muscadet wine has a citrus aroma.
Vouvray
Vouvray refers to a variety of different wines grown in the Vouvray region of France. These wines vary from dry to sweet and can have a number of different flavors. Many Vouvray wines are a golden color with a fruity taste. The wines use Chenin blanc grapes and can have a honey or almond scent. Vouvray wine pairs well with certain cheeses like Camembert, chicken, veal or fruits.
Tags: Muscadet wine, Bordeaux wines, Wine Intro, according Wine, Chablis wine