Italy

Whether it is the grape varieties, the craftsmanship in the cellar or the situation of the vineyards the unifying theme in the Eastern French vineyards results in a series of seductive and original wines. Alsace gives us some of the most amazing Riesling on the planet; the Jura, gives us the unique passion of the Vin Jaune grown under cover, whereas the Savoie covers the lower alpine slopes with red and white.

The south of the region produces most of the Beaulolais nouveau released fresh from the cellars on the third Thursday of November each year. In the norh are the ten superior quality crus wines St-Amour, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Brouilly, Côtes de Brouilly and Regnié most of which can be visited in a days' drive.

« Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery » or so goes the old adage. Throughout the wine world, the name Bordeaux is whispered in hushed tones. This blessed region, this garden of Eden for connoisseurs of great wines is quite simply the best in the world. No other country can claim the track record or the large number of impressive wines produced by the South-West corner of France. The exceptional quality of Bordeaux wines, from the world famous reds to the delicate dry whites and luscious dessert wines, surpasses even the wildest dreams. Myriad vineyards, exceptional terroir, centuries of expertise and classic grape varieties all combine to create that special Bordeaux magic touch. Welcome to the world of Bordeaux! Most of the grapes grown in the Bordeaux region for red wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc which give vigour, tannin and good keeping qualities, and Merlot which brings softness and suppleness. White wines are elaborated from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle.

Vines have been cultivated in Burgundy since at least the 3rd century, largely due to the influence of the Church and its monasteries. Popularised by the French Revolution, the Burgundy vineyards contain some of the most famous appellations in France. Chardonnay and Pinot-Noir wines from this area remain unsurpassed elsewhere. Chablis is synonymous with quality dry whites, while the Côte de Nuits is famous for its red Grands Crus. Closer to Lyon, popular Beaujolais made from Gamay grapes enlivens social occasions the world over.

Champagne - a region and a passion! The word conjures up rolling hills and white chalky soils, the sophistication of the Grandes Maisons and those sparkling bubbles overflowing the glasses of lovers worldwide. The undisputed prince of celebrations, « vin de Champagne » constantly seduces us with its unique, classic style. The 36,000 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes on the vines scattered over the hills between Reims, Epernay and Château Thierry, between Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims are magically transformed into the magnificent vintage cuvees from the celebrated Champagne Houses. Go on - spoil yourself!

- Wines from the Loudun area: Saumur, similar to prime Loire Valley vintages.
- Wines from Haut-Poitou: whites, rosés and reds (the whole gamut!).
- Wines from Thouarsais: whites, rosés and reds, comparable to renowned Anjou    vintages.
- Wines from Pays Charentais: whites marketed as "blanc marine", reds and rosés.

It was the Greeks who brought wine and the technique of wine making to the island of Corsica. Due to the soil and wonderful Mediterranean climate the wines from "La Corse" are of a high quality, with an annual production of over 80 000 hectolitres for AOC wines. Wine is produced all over Corsica, except for the centre of the island. Appellations for Corsica: Vin de Corse, Coteaux du Cap-corse, Patrmonio, Calvi, Coteaux d'Ajaccio, Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Sartène. Corsica cepages: Red and Rosé: Le Nielluccio, le Sciacarello, le Grenache, le Cinsault, Le Syrah. White: Le Vermentio (Mavoisie de Corse), Russula Bianca (Ugni Blanc)

In this region, the wine belt nestles itself along the sea coast; where it fully expresses its eloquence. These quality wines, on their way to fame, are the new trendy wines of the French viticulture. Both modern and traditional: a sumptuous ensemble of Mediterranean fragrances and well established vinification methods with the aid of a few modern tips. These wines melt the summer warmth of the days, the fresh maritime breeze, the natives' friendliness full the wealth of Latin cultural…Watch this space!

On leaving the region of Nantes, you will discover the tastes of the Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, that of the Côteaux de la Loire, next comes Anjou with its numerous famous white and red wines! Cabernet d'Anjou to be drunk as an aperitif, the Côteaux du Layon sweet wines, the Quarts de Chaume sweet white wines...Make your way to Saumur for another tasting. The Touraine region boasts, Bourgueil, Chinon, Azay-le-Rideau. After Tours, Montlouis and Vouvray wines. Head in the direction of Bourges and you will be charmed once more. For here you will find the Hauts de Loire, Pouilly Blanc Fumé and another famous wine Sancerre.

It is true that the Côtes de Provence are more known for their Rosy whereas the soil is really appropriate for the reds. A large variety of grapes is used in Provence to elaborate wine. Among the red we can count Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and among the white varieties Ugni, Claitette and Rolle. Rosé is the great speciality of this region. Its is gorgeous, fruity and with a glistening robe.

The Ancient Greeks used the Rhone to travel into the heart of Gaul to carry out trade. Wine production continued apace with the arrival of the Romans in 125 BC. It is the various climates, soils and grape varieties that make Côtes du Rhône wines so characteristic, but more than geographical unity, perhaps, it is the desire and labour of the winegrowers that have given the wines their real personality, and enabled the attribution of an AOC. Over 90% of Côtes du Rhône wines are red. They are generally thick, robust and their alcoholic content higher than that of most French wines.

Belonging neither to the Bordelais nor to the Mediterranean although carrying a characteristic South-western accent, the many vineyards of the South West bring us wines of character. From Bordeaux to Naurouze, from the Massif Central to the Pyrenees, a wide range of soils host typical grape varieties such as the Négrette, the Gros Manseng, or the Duras. Whether robust from Madiran or light from Fronton the red wines are the perfect compliment for the local cuisine. The exceptional Monbazillac, Gaillac or Jurançon open up new horizons for sweet white wine enthusiasts.

Text Piemonte.

Text Toscana.

Text Veneto.