FRENCH WINE TERMS

vQWPSR: Quality wines produces in a specific region

 INAO: Institut des Appellations d’origine

 TERROIR: It refers to the unique combination of factors like soil, underlying rocks. Altitude, slope of hill, orientation towards sun and other climatic conditions. 

FRENCH WINE CONTROL TERMS

   TABLE VIN / VIN DE TABLE: These are the wines of medium quality which may be a blend of wines from more than one country of the EEC and are not less than 8.5% in alcoholic content.

vVIN DE PAYS: These are the wines from the larger districts of France.

AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôllée): Under AOC, strict regulations are there to govern & control the whole wine manufacturing process ( viticulture, fermentation & vinification ). Quality wines from different French regions whether small or large, if bears a label of AOC, ensures the guarantee of authenticity.

 VDQS ( Vins délimités de qualité supérieure): VDQS wines are excellent second quality wines produced from specified vineyards or districts of France. These wines are also governed by strict laws.

v MISE EN BOUTEILLE CHÂTEAU: Wines bottled at the Chateau.

 This ‘e’ mark indicates that the bottler has complied with the EEC bottling capacity regulations.This ‘e’ mark indicates that the bottler has complied with the EEC bottling capacity regulations.

SOUTH WEST FRANCE

South West France or Sud-Quest, a somewhat heterogeneous collection Bordeaux. Some areas produce primarily red wines like Bordeaux, while others produce dry or sweet white wines. Area included in Sud-Quest are:

v Bergerac & others of upstream Dordogne

v Areas of upstream Garonne including Cahors

v Areas in Gascony

v Bearn, Jaracon

v Basquecountry areas, such as Irouléguy

SAVOY

Savoy or savoie, primarily a white wine region in the Alps close to Switzerland, where many unique grape varities are cultivated. 

PROVENCE

It is located in southeast and close to the Mediterranean. It is perhaps the  warmest wine region of France and produces mainly rosé and red wine. It covers eight major appellations led by the Provence flagship, Bandol. Some Provence wine can be compared with the Southern Rhone wines as they share grapes, style and climate. Provence also has a classification of its most prestigious estates, much like Bordeaux. 

LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

It is by far the largest region in terms of vineyard area and the region in which much of France’s cheap bulk wines have been produced. While still the source of much of France’s and Europe’s overproduction, the so-called “wine lake”. This region is also the home of some of France’s most innovative producers. They try to combine traditional French wine and international styles and do not hesitate to take lessons from the New World. Most of the wine from this region is sold as Vin de pays. 

JURA

It’s a small in the mountains close to Switzerland where some unique wine styles, notably Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille are produced. The region covers six appellations and is related to Burgundy through its extensive use of the Burgundian grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Though other varieties are also used. It also shares climatic conditions with Burgundy. 

CORSICA

It is an island in the Mediterranean, the wines of which are primarily consumed on the island itself. It has nine AOC regions and and island wide vin de pays designation and is still developing its production methods as well as its regional style. 

LOIRE

This region is located along the banks of Loire river which is the longest and one of the most beautiful rivers of France. Loire wines sometimes are collectively known as “ Vins de la loire” which includes red, white & rose wines , ranging in quality from poor to great. 

ALSACE

This region is located along the Rhine river which flows across Germany. This region produces some good quality white wines which are France’s answer to the German Rhine & Mosell wines. Riesling is the main grape variety used for making the wines.

CHAMPAGNE

This region produces the world’s best sparkling wine which is named after the region i.e. “CHAMPAGNE”. The word Champagne can only be associated to a sparkling wine, if

a)It is produced within the region of Champagne and

b)It is manufactured by using the “ Methode Champagnoise”. 

1.MONTAGNE DE REIMS

2.VALLEE DE LA MARNE

3.CÔTE DE BLANCS

4.CÔTE DE SEZANNE

5.AUBE 

RHONE

This region is named after the river which flows through it. Rhone produces good white & red wines.

1.COTE ROTIE

2.HERMITAGE

3.CHATEAU NEUF-DU-PAPE

 

BURGUNDY

This region is also known as “The heart of France” and is famous for the fine quality red, white & sparkling burgundies produced here.   

1.CHABLIS

2.COTE  D’OR

3.MACONNAISE

4.BEAUJOLAIS

5.CHALLONAISE

BORDEAUX

Largest wine producing region of France. This region is famous for the good quality red wines produced here which are known as “CLARET” in England and other English speaking countries.

1.MEDOC

2.GRAVES

3.ST. EMILLON

4.POMEROL

5.

SAUTERNES

WINE MAP OF FRANCE

WINES OF FRANCE

THERE ARE 6 MAIN WINE PRODUCING REGIONS AND SOME OTHER SMALLER REGIONS AS:

1.BORDEAUX

2.BURGUNDY

3.RHONE

4.CHAMPAGNE

5.ALSACE

6.LOIRE