French Red Wines
Ask any wine lover to name a wine region and without fail Burgundy or Bordeaux will come to mind. France is considered the epitome of quality wine for many, and red wines in particular. Most of the grape varieties known and grown throughout the world are French varietals, such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, among others. In France, however, wines are rarely varietally named, but rather named for the region in which the grapes are grown and the wine is made.
As such, knowledge of regions is a must for understanding the world of French wine. This allows regions to build an identity around the grape varieties that are permitted and the unique terroir, or sense of place, within each appellation. Some of the most respected and coveted French wine appellations for red wines include Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, the Loire Valley and the Languedoc-Roussillon.
