Vinejourney

The South West wine region of France is known for producing some of the most unique and flavorful wines in the country. While not as well-known as some of the more famous wine regions like Bordeaux or Burgundy, the South West region has a rich history of winemaking and a diverse range of grape varieties that are sure to delight any wine lover. The South West wine region covers a large area of France, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. The region is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own distinct terroir and grape varieties. One of the most famous sub-regions in the South West is Cahors, known for producing dark, tannic wines made from the Malbec grape. These wines are often compared to those from Argentina, where Malbec has also become a popular variety. Cahors is also known for its stunning scenery, with vineyards perched on the steep slopes along the Lot River. Another sub-region of the South West that is gaining in popularity

Nestled in the French Alps near the border with Switzerland lies the Savoie wine region, an area known for its stunning mountain landscapes and unique, cool-climate wines. The region is home to several grape varieties that are not found elsewhere in France, producing wines with a distinctive flavor profile that is sure to impress wine lovers looking for something different. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Savoie wine region, including its history, grape varieties, and appellations. Grape Varieties Savoie is known for its unique grape varieties, which are well-suited to the region's cool climate and mountainous terroir. The most important grape varieties in Savoie include: Jacquère: This is the most widely planted grape variety in Savoie, accounting for over 50% of the region's vineyards. Jacquère produces light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing white wines that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. Altesse: Also known as Roussette, this grape variety p

Burgundy, located in eastern France, is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. The region is famous for producing some of the finest wines, especially red and white wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Burgundy is also known for its unique terroir, which plays a crucial role in the quality and character of its wines. Burgundy is divided into five main wine regions, namely Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Maconnais. Each of these regions has its own distinct appellations, which reflect the specific terroir and winemaking traditions of that area. Chablis Chablis is located in the northernmost part of Burgundy and is known for producing crisp, mineral-driven white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. The region has four appellations: Chablis Grand Cru, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis, and Petit Chablis. Côte de Nuits Côte de Nuits is located in the northern part of the Côte d'Or and is known for producing some of the finest red wines i

Alsace is a stunning wine region located in the northeastern part of France, near the German border. The region is known for its picturesque vineyards, charming wine villages, and delicious wines. The area is divided into two main appellations: Alsace AOC and Crémant d'Alsace AOC. Let's dive in and learn more about this fascinating wine region. Alsace AOC: Alsace AOC is the most significant appellation in Alsace and produces some of the most elegant and refined wines in the world. The wines from this appellation are known for their purity, freshness, and minerality, which are a result of the region's unique climate and geology. Alsace AOC produces still white wines made from seven different grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Riesling is the most important grape variety in the Alsace AOC, accounting for approximately 23% of the vineyard plantings. The Riesling wines produced in Alsace are dry, crisp, and arom

Beaujolais: A Hidden Gem in France When most people think of French wine, they think of Bordeaux or Burgundy. However, there is another region that is worth exploring: Beaujolais. Located just south of Burgundy, Beaujolais is often overlooked but has a lot to offer wine lovers. The Grape The main grape grown in Beaujolais is Gamay. It is a light-bodied red grape that is low in tannins, making it a great wine for easy drinking. Gamay is also known for its fruity flavors, which can include cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant. This makes Beaujolais wine a great choice for those who are just starting to explore red wines or who prefer lighter-bodied wines. The Classification Beaujolais wines are classified based on the region they come from. There are three main categories: Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, and Beaujolais Crus. The basic Beaujolais wine is made from grapes grown throughout the region and is the most common. Beaujolais Villages is made from grapes grown in one of the 38 desi

Corsica, a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its stunning beaches, mountainous landscapes, and delicious wines. The island has a long history of winemaking, with vines first introduced by the Greeks over 2,500 years ago. Today, Corsica is home to a thriving wine industry, producing a variety of unique and flavorful wines. Corsica's wine region is divided into nine appellations, each with its own distinctive terroir and grape varieties. These appellations include Patrimonio, Ajaccio, Calvi, Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Sartène, Muscat du Cap Corse, Corse, and Corse Porto Vecchio. One of the most renowned appellations is Patrimonio, located on the northern part of the island. The region is known for its red wines made from the Niellucciu grape, which is similar to Sangiovese. These wines are characterized by their deep ruby color, black fruit flavors, and spicy notes. Another popular appellation is Ajaccio, located on the western coast of Corsica. This region is known fo

The Loire Valley wine region is one of the most beautiful and historic wine regions in France. It is located in the central part of the country, stretching along the Loire River for over 620 miles. The region is known for producing a wide variety of high-quality wines, from crisp, dry whites to full-bodied reds, and everything in between. The Loire Valley wine region is divided into several sub-regions, each with its unique characteristics and wine styles. Some of the most well-known sub-regions include Sancerre, Chinon, Muscadet, and Vouvray. Sancerre is known for its crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc wines, which are often described as having a flinty, smoky flavor. These wines are typically made from grapes grown on the slopes of the Sancerre hillside, which is composed of limestone and clay soils. Chinon is located in the heart of the Loire Valley and is famous for its red wines made from Cabernet Franc grapes. These wines are typically medium-bodied with flavors of red fruit,

The Rhone wine region in southern France is one of the most diverse and exciting wine regions in the world. It is home to a wide variety of wines, from light and fruity to rich and complex, and is divided into two main areas: the Northern Rhone and the Southern Rhone. In this blog post, we will explore the appellations of the Rhone wine region and the characteristics of the wines they produce. Northern Rhone: The Northern Rhone is known for its powerful, full-bodied red wines, as well as its elegant and complex white wines. The region is home to several appellations, including: 1. Côte-Rôtie: This appellation is known for producing some of the most iconic and sought-after red wines in the world. The wines are made from the Syrah grape, which is blended with a small amount of Viognier to add complexity and aromatics. The wines are known for their powerful tannins, deep color, and complex flavors of black fruit, smoke, and spices. 2. Hermitage: This appellation is also known for producin

Provence is a region located in the southeast of France and is famous for its beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches, and picturesque towns. However, it is also renowned for its wine, particularly the rosé wine, which is the most popular type of wine produced in the region. In this blog, we will explore the Provence wine region and the different wines that are produced there. Geography and Climate: The Provence wine region is situated in the Mediterranean coastal area of France and is characterized by its warm and sunny weather. The region spans from the Rhone River to the Italian border and covers an area of about 200 miles. Wine Varieties: The Provence wine region produces a variety of wines, including rosé, red, and white wines. However, the most popular wine produced in the region is the rosé wine, which accounts for about 75% of the total wine production in the area. The rosé wine produced in Provence is characterized by its light and refreshing taste, making it a perfect drink fo

If you're a wine lover looking to explore new and exciting wine regions, then Jura and Savoie in eastern France are definitely worth checking out. These two regions offer unique terroir and grape varieties, resulting in some truly distinctive and delicious wines. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at Jura and Savoie wine regions and appellations. Jura Wine Region Jura is a small wine region located in eastern France, near the border with Switzerland. The region's vineyards are planted on steep hillsides, with soils ranging from limestone to clay and marl. The climate in Jura is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, and the region receives a good amount of rainfall throughout the year. Grape Varieties Jura is known for its unique grape varieties, which are not commonly grown in other parts of France. The most famous grape variety in Jura is probably Savagnin, which is used to produce the region's famous Vin Jaune. Other important grape varieties in Jura in

The Languedoc-Roussillon wine region is one of the largest and most diverse wine regions in the world. Located in the south of France, it spans over 200,000 hectares and produces a wide range of wines, from crisp whites and full-bodied reds to sweet fortified wines. The region is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, which is perfect for growing grapes. The combination of sun, sea, and soil creates a unique terroir that gives Languedoc-Roussillon wines their distinctive character. One of the most important grape varieties grown in the region is Grenache. This versatile grape is used to make both red and white wines and is known for its fruity and spicy flavors. Other popular grape varieties include Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault for red wines, and Chardonnay, Viognier, and Roussanne for white wines. Languedoc-Roussillon is also famous for its fortified wines, such as Banyuls, Maury, and Rivesaltes. These wines are made by adding grape brandy to the wine during fermentatio