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France

A French Chateau - French Wines

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France is the world’s largest wine-producing country, and its rich winemaking history dates back at least to the 6th century BC, when Greek immigrants founded the colony of Massalia (present-day Marseille) and introduced viticulture to the area. That trade was later taken over by the Roman Empire, which planted vineyards throughout France. During the Middle Ages, monks were largely responsible for preserving the country’s winemaking tradition, and by the 1800s France was one of the world’s most prestigious producers. But the industry was ravaged by the phylloxera plague of the mid-19th century, an economic downturn and two World Wars. It was not until the 1970s that wines sales started to boom again and France once again became the international wine powerhouse we know today.

Many of the grapes used in winemaking throughout the world originated in France, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Sparkling wine was invented in Champagne, one of the country’s iconic wine regions along with Bordeaux (home to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc), Burgundy (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), Alsace (Gewürztraminer and Riesling), the Loire Valley (Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc) and the Rhône (Syrah and Grenache).

Merlot

Merlot Wines

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Merlot still suffers from the negative publicity it received in 2004 from the wine-themed movie Sideways. But even before that movie, Merlot had begun to be perceived as a beginner’s wine — soft and simple. We think that’s an unfair conclusion: inferior examples of Merlot are usually the result of overprinting in the wrong soil types rather than any intrinsic deficiencies in the grape. In fact, some of the most sought-after collectible wines are Merlot-based, including the great Bordeaux of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. A single bottle of the current vintage of Château Pétrus will fetch prices in the neighborhood of $4,000!

How can one grape manifests itself as both wine plonk and memorable classics? Seemingly a wine paradox, Merlot’s identify crisis may be cleared up by this oft-repeated winemaker’s adage: The quality of the wine is directly proportional to the quality of the vineyards.

Merlot is the second-most planted red wine grape in the world, so there is bound to be variation in quality. As with all grapes, location and the reputation of the winemaker are the two most important details when it comes to producing great wine. The characteristics that make Merlot a noble wine worthy of seeking out are its potential for aging, full, ripe berry flavors, plumy or fruitcake middle and, yes, that velvety, plush finish.

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  1. Barton & Guestier Merlot 2008 / 750 ml.

    Barton & Guestier Merlot

    2008 / 750 ml.

    France | Vin de Pays | Vin de Pays d’Oc
    Item #68502
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    Limited inventory.
    1 bottle or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.

    $8.99
    Only $8.09 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  2. Chateau Barde-Haut Saint-Emilion 2008 / 750 ml.

    Château Barde-Haut Saint-Émilion

    2008 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion
    SP92RP91+ST88+
    Item #31460
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    $39.99
    Only $35.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  3. Chateau Beau Sejour-Becot Saint-Emilion 2009 / 750 ml.

    Château Beau Séjour-Bécot Saint-Émilion

    2009 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion
    Item #33666
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    $89.99
    Only $80.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  4. Chateau Bel Air, Haut-Medoc 2007 / 750 ml.

    Château Bel Air, Haut-Médoc

    2007 / 750 ml.

    France | Médoc | Haut-Médoc
    Item #30095
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    $11.99
    Compare: $18.99 You save: $7.00
  5. Chateau Bel Air, Haut-Medoc 2009 / 750 ml.

    Château Bel Air, Haut-Médoc

    2009 / 750 ml.

    France | Médoc | Haut-Médoc
    Gold
    Item #30839
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    $11.99
    Compare: $19.99 You save: $8.00
  6. Chateau Bellefont Belcier, Saint-Emilion 2003 / 750 ml.

    Château Bellefont Belcier, Saint-Émilion

    2003 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion
    RP89+RP88+SP87
    Item #22118
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    $39.99
    Only $35.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  7. Chateau Bellerose Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2000 / 750 ml.

    Château Bellerose Figeac, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

    2000 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Saint-Émilion
    Item #17183
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    $29.99
    Only $26.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  8. Chateau Bellevue Cotes de Castillon Cuvee Vieilles Vignes 2005 / 750 ml.

    Château Bellevue Côtes de Castillon Cuvée Vieilles Vignes

    2005 / 750 ml.

    France | Côtes de Bordeaux | Côtes de Castillon
    ST89+
    Item #26275
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    $16.99
    Compare: $24.99 You save: $8.00
  9. Chateau Bois de Laborde Lalande de Pomerol 2009 / 750 ml.

    Château Bois de Laborde Lalande de Pomerol

    2009 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Lalande-de-Pomerol
    Item #30837
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    $19.99
    Only $17.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case
  10. Chateau Bourgneuf, Pomerol 2005 / 750 ml.

    Château Bourgneuf, Pomerol

    2005 / 750 ml.

    France | Bordeaux | Pomerol
    SP91
    Item #26358
    Learn More

    Limited inventory.
    8 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.

    $59.99
    Only $53.99 when you buy a solid or mixed case

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