French Wines Don't Bite!
- Nov 28, 2012
It is so clichéd to say that I almost hasten to write it, but it’s the truth so it must be said. The more wine I drink from around the world, the more French wine stands out as an amazing source of quality wine.
The more that one studies wine, inevitably, France becomes more in the spotlight. Part of the reluctance for the North American market is the labeling. No grape names, no indication as to what the wine will taste like. You have to keep in mind that France has been making wine since near the beginning of wine making itself and at that point, the different grapes had not been classified. When a wine was made from Burgundy for example, the grapes that went into it were the grapes from Burgundy. Plain and simple. Now that we have defined Burgundian grapes to fall into the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fields, it is now up to us to know that this grape comes from this region. So while confusing at first, instead of skipping French wine, ask your local wine shop for tips on buying.
Back to France being a constant source of enjoyment. I first became aware of my growing love of the wines from this beautiful country when I was at a wine tasting comparing Pinot Noir wines from around the world. There were excellent new world examples from California, BC, and New Zealand, but the three wines that stunned me by having an extra layer of depth of flavour all turned out to be French!
I’ll be the first to admit that I cannot afford the big names in the French world. Can barely even look at the bottle without my knees started to quiver thinking about what my VISA bill would look like after a purchase, but contrary to common thinking, there is amazing value in France. Look at Cotes du Rhone, Loire Valley, Beaujolais, and the south of France for your next dinner party.
Cotes du Rhone – Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvedre are the three big red grapes here and most wines will be a blend of all three. Search out the Patrick Lesac Bouquet. This winemaker consults for different properties all over the country, but his own label from the Cotes du Rhone stand out for me. These are not your light, simple wines. Both examples at EW are full of dark fruit and a spice filled backbone. Structure and depth that will pair nicely with a beef roast or a rack of lamb.
Loire Valley – Don’t overlook the strong showings of Cabernet Franc from the Loire, but here I want to talk about the whites from the Muscadet region. The grape is Muscadelle Blanc, not well known outside of this area, but producing wines full of citrus and minerality. These are like New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs with less grass and more textures. Eating shellfish tonight? Try the Andre Vinet Muscadet or the Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet
Beaujolais – Can’t afford Premier Cru Burgundy like me? Look to it’s oft overlooked south end, Beaujolais. The region is coming off two of the best vintages (2009 and 2010) that they have ever seen and the wines are tasting mind boggling well. Gamay Noir is the grape here and I recommend spending a couple of extra dollars and buying the Joseph Burrier Morgon Grand Cru. This is the wine that surprised me in the blind wine tasting. Cherries, earth, and spices and a perfect wine for Christmas turkey dinners.
South of France – This is a broad term for everything in the Languedoc and Provence region. If there is a “new” wine region from France, this is it. Winemakers here have fewer restrictions on what they have to grow and must conform to. In an effort to attract the lucrative North American market, many of these wines will show the varietal on the label. And lo and behold these are some of the cheapest wines on the market! One wine in particular that stunned me for how good it was at under $15 was the Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet. High acid and simple lemon citrus flavours, but a minerality and smooth mouth feel that served chilled makes me think eating a plate of mussels while overlooking the Mediterranean … sigh …
Open your mind and explore French wine today without breaking the bank!
The more that one studies wine, inevitably, France becomes more in the spotlight. Part of the reluctance for the North American market is the labeling. No grape names, no indication as to what the wine will taste like. You have to keep in mind that France has been making wine since near the beginning of wine making itself and at that point, the different grapes had not been classified. When a wine was made from Burgundy for example, the grapes that went into it were the grapes from Burgundy. Plain and simple. Now that we have defined Burgundian grapes to fall into the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fields, it is now up to us to know that this grape comes from this region. So while confusing at first, instead of skipping French wine, ask your local wine shop for tips on buying.
Back to France being a constant source of enjoyment. I first became aware of my growing love of the wines from this beautiful country when I was at a wine tasting comparing Pinot Noir wines from around the world. There were excellent new world examples from California, BC, and New Zealand, but the three wines that stunned me by having an extra layer of depth of flavour all turned out to be French!
I’ll be the first to admit that I cannot afford the big names in the French world. Can barely even look at the bottle without my knees started to quiver thinking about what my VISA bill would look like after a purchase, but contrary to common thinking, there is amazing value in France. Look at Cotes du Rhone, Loire Valley, Beaujolais, and the south of France for your next dinner party.
Cotes du Rhone – Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvedre are the three big red grapes here and most wines will be a blend of all three. Search out the Patrick Lesac Bouquet. This winemaker consults for different properties all over the country, but his own label from the Cotes du Rhone stand out for me. These are not your light, simple wines. Both examples at EW are full of dark fruit and a spice filled backbone. Structure and depth that will pair nicely with a beef roast or a rack of lamb.
Loire Valley – Don’t overlook the strong showings of Cabernet Franc from the Loire, but here I want to talk about the whites from the Muscadet region. The grape is Muscadelle Blanc, not well known outside of this area, but producing wines full of citrus and minerality. These are like New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs with less grass and more textures. Eating shellfish tonight? Try the Andre Vinet Muscadet or the Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet
Beaujolais – Can’t afford Premier Cru Burgundy like me? Look to it’s oft overlooked south end, Beaujolais. The region is coming off two of the best vintages (2009 and 2010) that they have ever seen and the wines are tasting mind boggling well. Gamay Noir is the grape here and I recommend spending a couple of extra dollars and buying the Joseph Burrier Morgon Grand Cru. This is the wine that surprised me in the blind wine tasting. Cherries, earth, and spices and a perfect wine for Christmas turkey dinners.
South of France – This is a broad term for everything in the Languedoc and Provence region. If there is a “new” wine region from France, this is it. Winemakers here have fewer restrictions on what they have to grow and must conform to. In an effort to attract the lucrative North American market, many of these wines will show the varietal on the label. And lo and behold these are some of the cheapest wines on the market! One wine in particular that stunned me for how good it was at under $15 was the Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet. High acid and simple lemon citrus flavours, but a minerality and smooth mouth feel that served chilled makes me think eating a plate of mussels while overlooking the Mediterranean … sigh …
Open your mind and explore French wine today without breaking the bank!