France

Introduction to France

Picture of France France benefits from a range of locations and climates that are suitable for growing wines, resulting in a diverse range of varieties and styles. Emphasis remains as much on tradition as technology, with particular significance placed on the expression of terroir. The finest wine-producing regions are Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Rhône. Other significant areas include Alsace, Beaujolais, Chablis, Jura, Loire, and south west France. A predominantly red wine-producing country, less than a quarter of all wine consumed in France is white. The most widely planted variety is Carignan, with other significant red varieties being Grenache, Merlot, Cinsaut and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ugni Blanc dominates the white grape plantings as the main variety used in the production of Cognac. The other principal white varieties are Chardonnay and Sémillon.