French wine. Such a varied and wonderful wine producing area! From modern table wines to the classics of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, France has got it all. Elegant and food friendly whites from Alsace should be much better known (we've been saying it for years) and the Dopff & Irion wines come highly recommended. Bordeaux, one of Frazier's favourites, has the world's leading examples of Cabernet/Merlot based reds and the ultimate dessert wines from Sauternes. Timeless classics. Burgundy reveals a different side of French winemaking with often tiny production wines making the headlines with their effortless, ethereal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit topping connoisseurs' list of "Wines to try before you die". Champagne, through clever marketing (and quality wines), has consistently been the wine associated with parties, weddings and celebrations and there are still bargains to be found with the likes of Joseph Perrier a firm customer favourite. The crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc wines from the Loire (Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé being the most well known) have many loyal followers who adore their tangy/grassy style. Perfect with goat's cheese. Heading south, towards the Mediterranean, you'll see many a richly textured red made from both Grenache and Syrah with the ever popular Chateauneuf-du-Pape still leading the way, but be adventurous, try some of the many lesser known wines from other appellations in both the Rhone and the Languedoc which use the same grape varieties. Great value can be found here. Finally, when reaching the far south of the country, you'll come across the success story of the 21st century: Provence rosé! Everyone wants to drink this ultra-pale-coloured pink as soon as the warming sun appears... and right on until dusk. It's a winner all year.
