Learning and discerning the white wines of France

Date: September 24, 2010

About Wines from White wine of France
Best wine supplier in Philippines discusses wine related topics

Wine Growing Regions

Bourdeaux – With over 12,000 winegrowers and over 50 diverse growing appellations, it is no wonder that Bordeaux is the red wine hound of France. Over 80% of the wine produced in Bordeaux is red, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. The two prevailing red wine-producing subregions of Bordeaux are aptly referred to as “Left Bank” and “Right Bank.” The Left Bank has soils with higher gravel content that favor Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. French wines from the Left Bank usually require more time to mature and will age for years. While the Right Bank lends itself to soil with more clay, preferring the Merlot grapes, with their early-ripening characteristics. The Right Bank wines are typically better suited for beginning Bordeaux wine drinkers, as they have lower tannin content, more fruit-forward flavor and are more inviting initially. Bordeaux wines can fit a myriad of budgets with prices per bottle ranging from $6 to $500+, with $20-30 buying a very nice wine, suitable for dinner parties to gift-giving. It should also be noted that the Bordeaux region is also famed for Sauternes, a delightfully sweet white wine that has earned a reputation for being among the world’s best for dessert wines. If you are looking for a moderately priced Bordeaux try the Chateau Lanessan 2000 Bordeaux.

Burgundy – The French wine-growing region of Burgundy is legendary for its legacy of both red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) and white Burgundy wines (Chardonnay). Burgundy lies on the eastern side of France and covers just over 100 miles. The dominating grape varietals grown in this region are Pinot Noir (making Red Burgundy wines), Chardonnay (making White Burgundy wines) and Gamay (making Beaujolais). Burgundy’s moderate climate with warm summers and cold winters allow the high-maintenance Pinot Noir grape to grow particularly well. Red Burgundy wines are often on the pricier side; however, if you are looing for a recommended producer start with Louis Jadot – notable for producing consistent, quality Burgundies vintage after vintage. White Burgundy is a Chardonnay Lover’s delight, with flavors of peaches and honey, crisp acidity and complex flavors that pair particularly well with seafood. Chablis are a unique forms of Chardonnay as they are not aged in oak, but instead winemakers ferment them in stainless steel, making a lighter-bodied white wine. As for Beaujolais – this is certainly a fun, affordable and very approachable red wine. Perfect for those beginning their red wine adventures, with lots of fruit-flavor, low tannins and general palate appeal. You can pick up a Beaujolais for $8 to $20. These are terrific warm weather wines.

The Rhone Valley – The Rhone Valley lies in southeastern France, providing distinct growing conditions to produce some of France’s best bargain red wines. Grenache, Syrah and Viognier are the primary grape varietals grown in this region. The laid-back Grenache grapes flourish in the sizzling southern Rhone, producing red wines that are good deals, with good flavor and plenty of food pairing options. The northern Rhone specializes in Syrah grapes, manifesting themselves into the two most popular red wines the Hermitage and the Cote Rotie.

Alsace – Unlike the rest of France, Alsace names its wines by grape varietal instead of just place names of origin. White wines comprise the vast majority of Alsace wines. Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling are the most noteworthy of the Alsace varietals. The Alsace Gewurztraminer has remarkable flavors, unlike any New World wines, low acidity, high alcohol content all wrapped in a zesty blend of aromatic spice. The Alsace Pinot Blanc is reasonably priced and is a light-bodied white wine. The Pinot Gris has a fuller-body and reveals a rich flavor profile. The traditional Alsace Riesling is a dry, white wine with characteristic mineral nuances.

The Loire Valley – Known for its white wines mainly Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Muscadet, the Loire Valley rests on the northwest side of France. The wines from the Loire Valley come in a vast array of styles, from dry to sweet and from white to sparkling – wines from the Loire are typically lighter-bodied due to the cooler climate. Styles to keep an eye out for include Pouilly-Fume (made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, Sancerre (also made from Sauvignon Blanc), Muscadet (made from the Muscadet grape), and Vouvray (from the Chenin Blanc grape).

Provence – The beautiful French wine-growing region of Provence is known predominantly for its rosé wines. A few producers to try include: Chateau Pradeaux and Chateau de Roquefort.

The varied growing-regions, a rich wine-making history and a passionate vineyard heritage all allow for French wines to continue to set an uncompromising, gold standard in the world of wine.

SOURCE: http://wine.about.com/od/winearoundtheworld/a/Frenchwinereg_2.htm

Although wines are widely available in most Asian countries, especially in Hong Kong which has eliminated import tariff on wines altogether, the availability of fine vintage wines is still very scarce. Most wine merchants offer big names, young vintages and cheaper wines for everyday consumption. Wine lovers and connoisseurs looking for something special often travel to Clark Pampanga Philippines to do their shopping at this Wine Shop in Manila.

At Yats Wine Cellars we believe that a little bit of knowledge in wine goes a long way to developing expectations in the wines we choose to buy or drink. Without expectation, it is difficult to really enjoy wine to its fullest. With this in mind, efforts are made by Yats Wine Cellars to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for our clients to learn more about wine.

Birthday wine gifts is one of the most popular birthday gifts to give someone living in the Philippines. Fine Vintage wine from Yats Wine Cellars is a sure winner and it does not have to cost a great deal to send someone a bottle in Philippines

To avail of wine catering service of Yats Wine Cellars, just contact this wine supplier in Manila or Angeles Clark Philippines for a meeting to design a theme for the event. The venue for a wine event can be in the privacy of a home, the convenience of an office in Manila for example or in a clubhouse of a subdivision. Wine glasses and accessories necessary for wine service are included in the wine catering service. Moreover, interesting wine notes accompany the wine to help participants enjoy the event even more by learning a little bit about wine while enjoying the party. A wine steward will be present to serve the wine.

There is also an exciting collection of white wine from Burgundy at this wine shop in Clark Pampanga such as Meursault, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and St. Aubin. Red wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone are also available with a good depth of back vintages too. Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.