French wine, wine from France

La tour de vin

From Champagne in the north to the tributaries of the Loire, along the Rhône, to Provence on the shores of the Mediterranean. A tour of France inevitably becomes a tour of wine. In more than 300 wine-growing regions, the French wine philosophy is applied; man is responsible for the high quality of the wine, the authentic character of the soil, the climate, the wine culture of France. The result of this harmony are red wines, white wines, rosés, champagnes and crémants that are second to none. As varied as the French cuisine, there is a suitable drop for every gourmet. Whether God, connoisseur, Roman or epicurean - in France everyone will find fine wines in abundance.

Italy may produce more wine in terms of quantity, Spain may have a larger cultivation area, but France remains without question the most important wine country in the world. A diverse range of powerful reds, delicate whites and celebratory sparkling wines for authentic enjoyment are produced on approximately 900,000 hectares, every single square metre reserved for the world's finest grapes. Cuvée, assemblage, barrique, bouquet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet - the French may not have invented wine, but they have made their mark on the wine world. Rightly so and to the delight of every wine drinker.

Terroir - French wine philosophy

Wine expresses the land on which the vines grow. Slate, clay or skeleton soil, long summers, longer rainfall, a river at the foot of the steep vineyard, a protective forest that keeps the wind out, the proximity of the sea - the factors that go into the term terroir are numerous and not always clear. But the main thing is that the noble grape varieties on the cultivation areas can do something with the terroir, because the final wine should be an expression of this. With each sip of a French wine, one also takes in a piece of France. Far away from man, cellar and designation - simply pure taste directly from the terroir.

Soil alone, however, does not make a French wine. For this, the native grape varieties grow splendidly and extensively on the fabulous sites of France. Many grape varieties are well known, some are still an insider tip, some are almost unknown and all are a proud part of the diversity.

The most common grape varieties for French red wine

• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Cinsault
• Tannat
• Gamay
• Grenache
• Malbec

The most common grape varieties for French white wine

• Chardonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Aligoté
• Muscadelle
• Auxerrois
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Blanc
• Chenin Blanc
• Gewürztraminer
• Pinot Grigio

Growing regions of France

Rhône

The Rhône valley, consisting of the northern and southern zones, is considered to be the oldest wine-growing region in France. The Romans already pushed wine-growing here on a grand scale. This has hardly changed until today. On the steep slopes that rise on the left and right banks of the Rhône, powerful red wines are produced from Syrah and Grenache. In the southern part of the Rhône, which is somewhat flatter and feels the proximity of the Mediterranean, Grenache is the dominant grape variety, followed by Syrah. The red wines of the Rhône wine region are known for their high alcohol content and spicy herbal aromas with a mild acid structure.

Champagne

The most northerly wine-growing region for French quality wine is, along with Bordeaux, probably the best known at the same time. Champagne, which is in demand worldwide, put the region on the map and today enjoys almost legendary status. Since the term champagne and the méthode champenoise were legally protected, the pearly export hit can only be found in Champagne - all other French sparkling wines bear the name Crémant. In order to meet the increasing demand for the sparkling wine, the winegrowers constantly expanded the vineyards. Mainly with the grape varieties approved for Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Alsace

Alsace cannot be denied its German influences. Because the Riesling has also found a comfortable home here. A little more alcoholic, a little less acidic - Riesling in French also produces world-class wines. Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muskateller and Silvaner, as well as Crémant d'Alsace, also bear witness to the top quality of the growing region between Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Protected by the Vosges Mountains and blessed with similarly high hours of sunshine as in Badener Land, the mainly white French wines express themselves sometimes slender, sometimes powerful, but always unforgettable.

Burgundy

Burgundy, with its great name and great sites, has vinified its way to the top of the world's viticulture. The blend of balanced climate and ideal soils allow the precocious grape varieties Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir to thrive magnificently. Famous Grand Cru vineyards such as the Côte d'Or or Côte de Nuits still produce high-quality white and red wines, but are almost lost in the confusing situation of Burgundy. Countless vintners share the approximately 24,000 hectares of vineyards, whereby some vineyards are divided into hundreds of parcels. But even if a winegrower only owns a few square meters of vineyards, the care is always high, the product noble, the taste perfect.

Bordeaux

The wine-growing region of Bordeaux is not only the largest in France, but also the flagship for French quality wine. In the more than 3000 châteaux scattered on the left and right side of the Gironde river, full-bodied and structurally rich red wines and a few fine white wines are produced, typically cuvées of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. True to the motto smaller is finer, Bordeaux regulates its appellations by size of site. Wine from Bordeaux Supérieur, Médoc or Entre-Deux-Mers certainly have two things in common: they come from a château and are considered the optimum for opulent wine.

Provence

In the holiday paradise of the French, the mood is usually one of celebration and decelerated life. The speciality of Provence fits into this picture. Rosé wine is the undisputed number one here. Up to 80% of the wine from the southern department shines pink, rosé. Most bottles do not even leave the region, but are consumed by the French themselves. The value is high, as is the quality of the viticulture. Syrah grapes are largely responsible for the fruity rosé wine from France, but Grenache, Tibouren, Cinsaut and Mourvèdre also find their way into the wine cellars.

Roussillon

On the border with Catalonia lies the Roussillon wine-growing region, which has become famous for its sweet and fortified Vin Doux Naturels. But nowadays more and more winegrowers dedicate themselves to the production of white, rosé and red wine. Quite successfully. Carignan is considered the leading variety locally, supported by Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah for the red varieties and Grenache Blanc, Torbato and Macabeo for the white varieties.

The French quality system

The wine law, in force since 2009, divides French wines into 3 quality categories based on the origin of the wine. One could simplistically claim that the more precisely the location of the vines is declared on the label, the better the wine. What used to be called AOC, VDQS and Vin de Table now bears the abbreviations AOP, IGP and Vin de France.

AOP Appellation d'Origine Protégée

Wines with AOP status always come from a specific appellation and must meet or exceed the requirements of that appellation. These include details of the commune to which the parcel of original vines is counted, authorised grape varieties, plant density, basic yield per hectare, labelling requirements under EU law and alcohol content. Only when the wine meets all the criteria can it count itself as an AOP wine. In France, the majority of wines, almost 40% of the total yield, belong to the highest quality level.

IGP Indication Géographique Protégée

Wines with IGP status are also subject to the criteria of EU wine law, such as yield, alcohol content and grape variety, but allow the winemaker some freedom in production. In addition, the wines must originate from one region.

Vin de France

Wines without an indication of origin count as Vin de France, the current term for French table wines. Often a cuvée of different wines and different origins is vinified for marketing consistent taste and quality under Vin de France status. Under the new regulations, the bottle is allowed to name the vintage and grape variety on the label.

Buy wine from France cheap online

Start your Tour de France at VINELLO with our exquisite selection from all corners of France. Order your favourite red wines, white wines and sparkling wines from the most renowned appellations and growing regions of the world. Buy French wine cheap and uncomplicated and enjoy the inimitable variety of the French and liquid cultural heritage. Simply order online and we will bring your French wines on the insured and fixed journey to you. Live like God in France - from the comfort of your home.

French white wines

In the second largest wine country of this world, French white wine belongs to a tasty meal like for other people the glass of water. The French know what makes life a pleasure: French white wine, sweet to dry, good music, good conversation and humour.  Top French white wine doesn't necessarily have to be the one when it comes to conviviality. In France, it may even be a so-called table wine, which tastes twice as good in convivial company. At VINELLO you can buy such wines as well as the best white wines from France online!

French white wine - more than good taste

French white wine offers more than good taste: it brings together what was previously foreign to each other! Would you like to get to know your new neighbours or colleagues better? During a private wine tasting this can be done wonderfully! White wine not only loosens the tongue, it also brings people closer who don't know each other. You are not supposed to get your guests drunk, just provide them with a casual atmosphere. Set the mood with delicious snacks and French white wine - sweet, dry or semi-dry. No matter the taste. A white wine from France will liven up the mood in any gathering.

French white wines from the best grape varieties

In France, wine is grown pretty much everywhere. Currently, there are about 136 registered grape varieties that are of immense importance to the country's wine production. These include equally cultivated white grape varieties from which the best French white wine is made. Some of the most important white grape varieties of France are:

• Chardonnay
• Melon de Bourgogne
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sémillon (the most important white grape variety in France)
• Ugni Blanc (one of the oldest white wine varieties, also called Trebbiano or Trebbiano Toscano and very productive)

Vinellos white wine recommendation from France

Want to buy a dry white wine from the Loire Valley to pair with fish dishes, seafood and vegetables au gratin? Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine de la Foliette is the Vinello white wine recommendation from France. A light yellow summer wine that exudes lively freshness, smells of hay and tastes slightly of grapefruit.

White wine from France and its quality levels

France's winegrowers have written it on their wine barrels (symbolically, of course) to produce high-quality white wine that meets all quality standards. These are extraordinarily high in France.

First class red wines and white wines from France, from a specific wine-growing region, vineyard or parcel, are labelled AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée). Do you store French white wine in your wine cellar that bears the AOC quality designation? Then you can assume that it is quality wine from controlled cultivation, which already has some years "on the hump". 

French white wine and its vintages

What distinguishes an excellent French wine ? Apart from colour, aroma, bouquet and taste? Wine specialists think: The vintage determines "top or flop"! A recommendable vintage white wine from France is the dry Château de Beaucastel AOC Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc 2014. You can buy the brilliant still wine (Famille Perrin winery, southern Rhone Valley) online in our wine shop .

French white wines: food & drink recommendations

If you buy white wine from France at Vinello, it should be drunk neither too warm nor too cold. The optimal drinking temperature for very dry as well as aromatic white wines is between 8 ° and 10 ° Celsius. The same applies to Champagne. Great white wines from France develop their aroma at 11 ° to 13 ° C.

Summer party with many guests planned, but the white wine glasses are not enough? Vinello helps you out of the embarrassment: We have the perfect wine glasses for every wine!

Buy French white wine online at Vinello

You want to know how French white wines taste ? Then order a tasting package to get to know them! If you buy French white wine, red wine, spirits or snacks for your celebrations in our wine shop, the good things will be with you within 2 to 3 days. Moreover, we grant our customers a 30-day right of return. Moreover, it is worth buying French white wine at Vinello because you can collect bonus points and thus save money in the future!

French rosé wine - holidays for wine drinkers

Rosé wine from France is nothing special anymore - but is simply special. It is not a summer wine, not an aperitif, not a wine for special occasions. Rosé wine is a full member of the wines from France, if not more. From Provence to the Loire, the French enjoy the fresh character of rosé wines - at any time of day or year. Sometimes with ice, sometimes as a cuvée, sometimes this way or that - rosé wine is informal, open to all and simply delicious. Take a vacation from white and red wine and treat yourself to a sip of French lightness.

French Rosé from early to late

Few countries are as associated with rosé as La Grande Nation. As the largest producer, importer and consumer, the pink to salmon-colored wine is at the top of the wish list, especially for the French. And if the legends surrounding French winemaking and cuisine are true; what else is there to say? French rosé wine simply has to be good. And what matters most about rosé is known best by those who enjoy it every day. Traditionally and carefully vinified, every French rosé wine bears witness to the terroir of France and the country's noble grape varieties. Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Gamay, Mourvèdre and Tannat, to name a few, give French rosé a wealth of aromas, accents and flavors. Notes of ripe strawberries, cherries, berries, noble roses and herbs as well as tangy citrus fruits are highly appealing. Elegantly structured body and a pleasant acid play complete the rosé wine from all over France. Do you feel like it? Then browse our fine selection from the most renowned growing regions reserved for rosé wine.

French rosé from top to bottom

Provence is without a doubt the centre of rosé wine. Between the lavender and the Mediterranean, on calcareous soils and under the warm sun, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache thrive and fill up with energy, which is fully transferred into the refreshing and aromatic rosé wine. No wonder, the Provence is considered by the French as the holiday region of all, because there it can be tasted well. But also the vineyards on the slopes of the Loire and the Rhône have a big share in the popularity of French rosé wines. Particularly the Tavel from the Rhône is considered by connoisseurs as an absolute rosé pleasure with real power under the hood, respectively the cork. And Languedoc, Gascony and Bordeaux have also long jumped on the bandwagon. No matter in which corner you travel, everywhere you celebrate with rose-colored glasses.

French Rosé from front to back

Rosé wine from France is just as diverse as the red and white wines from our revered neighborhood. Liquid pink drinking pleasure comes here in dry, sweet, sweet and sometimes sparkling in the glass. Seductive fruity aromas announce the full-bodied and juicy taste, while the refreshing acidity plays around the palate. In France, the supple structure often presents itself in bright red tones, the result of the saignée process, or juice extraction. The animating colouring alone makes you want to enjoy a chilled glass of French rosé wine. Discover the variety in which the lust for life expresses itself. Rosé wine from France at VINELLO - c'est la vie rose!

Our VINELLO recommendation

Horgelus Rosé Côtes de Gascogne IGP - Domaine Horgelus

Fresh, youthful and accessible - the salmon pink Horgelus Rosé Côtes de Gascogne enchants with an elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat. The rich bouquet treats the nose to distinct wild berries, citrus and blackcurrant. Juicy aromas that accompany the way to the fresh finish. An all-round uncomplicated pleasure from Domaine Horgelus, ideal for barbecues and all kinds of occasions that place a lot of value on an informal atmosphere. For illustrious parties, we offer you the Horgelus Rosé in a generous and inexpensive wine package, so that the Rosé can run in abundance.

French Rosé wine buy cheap online

Treat yourself to a carefree drop of French rosé wine and experience carefree festive cheer in a pink dress. Directly from the country with the largest rosé consumption, we have been able to save a few bottles for you. Order online your rosé wines from France and use our insured and climate-neutral delivery. Greet the postman friendly, open the package, put the rosé wine in a cool place and after a few hours the holiday can begin. Legs up, bottle open, take a sip, grin up to both ears - that's Rosé from France, that's Rosé from VINELLO. Buy French rosé wine cheap and enjoy it properly.

French red wine

French red wine stands for tradition, drinking culture, taste and lifestyle! The French are real epicureans. They are said to drink red wine and schnapps like other people drink water. Louis Pasteur, French microbiologist and chemist, praised wine as the "healthiest drink" in his time. I'm sure he meant delicious French red wine.

France is the second largest wine producing country after Italy. Numerous celebrities worldwide swear by delicate red wine from France and enjoy it with pleasure. Some even grow it themselves. Not everyone is lucky enough to be a winemaker. Nevertheless, you do not have to do without red French wine. At Vinello online you can buy delicious French red wines with cork guarantee!