How To Properly Choose Your French Wine
If you've ever tasted a wine from France, it is likely that you will already understand how rich in taste they are. There is a high level of expertise when it comes to wine from France, but it's easy to learn once you get past the basics. However, just because it's difficult doesn't mean it can't be done. Anyone can start their wine education by tasting the most iconic wines from all of the country's wine producing regions. There are many reasons why wine tasting is considered such a great learning experience.
Wine from France is famous all over the world, mainly (as you guessed it) in France! It is said that if you tried to drink an entire bottle of wine every day, it would probably take you eight years to drink through all of France's stock, although we can imagine that it would take even longer than this.
How to learn about wine from France
Start by selecting a classic wine from France. You could try one of the signature French white wines from each region, like a Muscadet or a Chenin blanc, then start pairing those with paired foods. For example, if you select a Muscadet, you should steer clear of rich, heavy food and pair it instead with a delicate piece of white fish like cod. You can then get a feel for the variety by tasting some of the more unusual vintages. Be sure to take notes on the unique characteristics of each vintage, as well as the accompanying smell.
The next step will be learning about the different varieties of fruit used to make wine from France. Fruit, including pomegranates and even black cherries, has been used to increase complexity in the varietal offerings. Yet, it is a well-known fact that the vital fruit used to create wine are grapes. Without them, you wouldn't even be able to make a basic wine.
Another good way to learn about different wines is to go to a wine club or a restaurant with French wine tastings. A lot of wineries have private tasting rooms where you can sit down and sample different wines. You can even order your favourites online and have them sent right to your home. Some places offer tasting right at your home via the internet, which makes things even better. These companies send the wine to your house, and you can have a virtual tasting.
When you're tasting them, pay close attention to the acidity of the wines and how the wine tastes overall. The aroma of wine can be confusing at times as well. For example, sometimes, the aroma can come across as spicy at first. But if you wait a bit before tasting it again, you may notice that this spiciness is actually more of a smokey note.
Variations in flavour
When learning about the varieties of wine from France, remember that each region has a signature style. For example, it's not uncommon to find an intense flavour in a French wine region called Limousin. In fact, they are known for being some of the most intense in the world. Limousines are often dry and crisp, which is why they are perfect for a sunny day. On the other hand, you'll find rich, deep and fruity flavours in regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy.
One crucial factor that you should pay attention to is the terroir, which is the unique flavour of each wine's origins. A lot of people say that the terroir is like the taste of the grape. Wines from France can be made from the same grape, but sometimes it's blended with other types of grapes. Both wines are then aged to achieve their flavour and texture, but the resulting taste is different. For instance, if you drink an Australian Pinot Noir and a French Pinot Noir, the chances are that you will experience a totally different flavour and personality from each glass.
In an ideal world, each bottle of wine should be decanted just before drinking. This ensures that the aromas do not become overpowering and the aromatics aren't washed out by too much alcohol. It also allows the wine to oxidise.