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Wine in France

The production of wine in the region now occupied by France dates back to the 6^th century BCE and the cultivation of vineyards by monks. Monasteries drew a large portion of their income from the revenue collected from wine sales and it was also used in religious services.

The origins of French snobbery on the matter of wine production stems from a series of laws passed to ensure that bottles of French wine are, indeed, produced in France and aren’t cheap knockoffs. The three levels of classification range in specificity and quality. The Vin de France category assures the customer that the bottle was produced in France and indicates the grape variety and vintage. The Indication Géographique Protégée goes a step further to specify the region where the wine was produced. And the highest categorization is the Appellation d’Origine Protégée which includes all specifications as well as being subject to a variety of production method restrictions.

Wine Regions and Grape Varieties

You’ve probably been told that you can’t call it champagne unless it was produced in Champagne, France. This method of classification is another way that the French protect their wine from international competition. Wines are named for the grapes used to make them, and all grape varieties are associated with the region where they’re grown. Some of the most well known types of wine are named for grapes grown in the highest producing wine regions in France. For example, the region of Bordeaux produces the grapes that make Cabernet Sauvignon while the region of Bourgogne produces the grapes that are used to make Chardonnay.

Using grapes grown in Bourgogne to make Cabernet Sauvignon, therefore, would be breaking the rules. This happens quite often in cheaper, low quality wines and results in the wine being demoted to the lowest possible classification: Vin du table or “French table wine.” That being said, due to laws demanding higher quality food and drink in France and throughout European Union, the table wine you drink it France is almost guaranteed to be better than your average American house wine.

The same types of grapes are grown all over the world, and produce extremely similar wines. The only thing that makes a wine French is the fact that the grapes were grown in France.

Wine Pairings

It’s well known that the French are serious about their wine, and just as serious about their food. So it makes sense that they put a lot of time and effort into pairing delicious French cuisine with the perfect type of wine.

The most basic rule is to pair red wines with meats and wine wines with poultry and seafood. The dryness of a wine is negatively accentuated by sweet foods. Using white wine as an example, it follows that sweeter wines like Pinot Gris are well paired with dessert, sweet fruit, and mild cheeses, while a dry wine like Chardonnay is a good pair for savory dishes, tart fruit, and strong cheeses.

Wine in Paris

Whether you’re hoping to purchase a bottle, attend a wine tasting, or take a wine tasting class, Paris is overflowing with opportunities for wine appreciation.

Ô Chateau is a great all in one destination for wine connoisseurs or those hoping to learn more. They offer a wide variety of packages including a basic tasting of the highest category of French wines, a tasting incorporated into a dinner, a wine and cheese lunch tasting, and even a day trip to the Champagne region. You can reserve your spot ahead of time, or keep your eye out for their last minute deals and student discounts. A visit to Ô Chateau will give you a great background on the delicate dance of wine tasting in France and the information you’ll need to recreate your own professional wine pairings at home. They are located 68 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 1st arrondissement.

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Wine in France