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France
View wines from specific regions: View popular grape types: |
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). |
Riesling
Top countries producing this wine: |
The recorded history of Riesling begins in the Rhine and Mosel river valleys of Germany more than 500 years ago, but some believe this versatile grape has been used in winemaking for more than 2,000 years. Arguably the greatest white wine grape in the world (sorry, Chardonnay fans), with a nose that is among the most aromatic and pleasing of any grape, it can be made in many styles, from sweet nectar to bracingly dry. It is sweetness that defines a Riesling, and the labeling laws of Germany provide a good indication of that sweetness, which is largely determined by how long the grapes are allowed to ripen before they’re picked. The first to be harvested are labeled Kabinett, and they are the driest of the designated wines (though the winemaker has some say in this as well). In ascending order of ripeness and usually sweeetness, there are Spätlese, Auslese and the rare Beerenauslese. Eiswein, while not actually part of this designation, remains on the vine the longest — until the grapes freeze. Most Rieslings are designed to be drunk when they’re young, offering fresh tree fruit characteristics such as peaches, nectarines and apples. Older, matured wines develop richer flavors of apricot, honey and flowers. The late-harvest Rieslings, because of their extreme richness and high acidity, are capable of long aging; the results are often ethereal, producing wines of great purity and complexity. Other regions specializing in this cool climate grape include New York’s Finger Lakes, Oregon, Washington, Canada, Alsace, Austria, New Zealand and Australia. |
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7 Result(s)
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Albert Mann Riesling Cuvée Albert
2006 / 750 ml.
France | AlsaceItem #25717Limited inventory.
9 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
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Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Gueberschwihr
2005 / 750 ml.
France | AlsaceItem #24708Limited inventory.
6 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Helfrich Riesling
2007 / 750 ml.
France | AlsaceItem #27784Limited inventory.
9 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Willm Gentil
2009 / 750 ml.
France | AlsaceItem #32989Limited inventory.
10 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Willm Riesling
2007 / 750 ml.
France | AlsaceItem #27858Limited inventory.
7 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.
Search Results
7 Result(s)
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