France
Known for producing the finest and most sophisticated red, white and rosé wines in the world, France defines and sets the standard for any fine wine. Viniculture was originally brought here by Greek settlers as long ago as the 6th century BC before the Romans truly put the foundations in place for France to become the world’s most respected wine country. As monasteries gathered various plots of land to keep up their high standards of living, their winemakers started gathering skills and knowledge and producing wines of great quality. Unfortunately France suffered great setbacks with the outbreak of Phylloxera, a grapevine-eating pest brought over from North America in the 19th century, and the economic downturns and wars of the 20th century. But when France recovered in the seventies it reinstated itself at the top of world wine.
France takes the concept of terroir very seriously and with the use of a strict appellation system regulating yields, techniques and grape varieties, France produces a diverse range of flavours across its regions. Famous French wine regions include Bordeaux, Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon, Alsace, Provence and the Rhône Valley and are all split into over 470 AOCs all with variations of soils and microclimates. French fine wines recently have come into competition with new world wines but many of these are for drinking on their own or young and the fashion is turning back to French wines for food accompaniment and ageing potential.
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'Les Sarres' Domaine Rijckaert, Côtes du Jura, 2009
France, Jura, Arbois | White Wine | Bottle (0.75)"The maestro of the Mâconnais continues to turn out an impeccable range of delicious, honest and racy... Read More£13.49 -
Baron Rothschild Mouton Cadet, Bordeaux, 2009
France, Bordeaux | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)Intense ruby red colour with purple highlights. This wine has a rich, open nose with attractive aromas... Read More -
Bastide de la Ciselette Bandol Rosé, Bandol, 2011
France, Provence, Provence, Bandol | Rosé Wine | Bottle (0.75)A gorgeous dry, pale rosé. Light and citrusy, balanced extremely well against subtle acidity and a perfect... Read More£12.99 -
Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut, Champagne, 1985
France, Champagne, Champagne, Champagne | Sparkling Wine | Bottle (0.75)A beautiful light golden colour with a youthful effervesence and a slightly yeasty but in no way overpowering... Read More£199.99 -
Chassenay d'Arce, Cuvée Première Brut, Champagne
France, Champagne, Champagne | Sparkling Wine | Bottle (0.75)This Champagne is the flagship of the Chassenay d'Arce House and bears the essential expression of the Pinot... Read More£29.99 -
Chassenay d'Arce, Rosé Brut, Champagne
France, Champagne, Champagne | Sparkling Wine | Bottle (0.75)A lovely blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay gives this Champagne an expressive, warm and charming... Read More£37.99 -
Château Batailley, Pauillac, 1966
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)A wonderful and classic fifth growth Pauillac which has well and truly matured and is offering many deep... Read More£49.99£284.99Price Comparison: £146.40 - Fine & Rare Wines (Checked 25/03/13) -
Château Bernadotte, Haut-Médoc, 2005
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)A classic Bordeaux from a great Bordeaux vintage. Good grippy tannins, nice mid-palate depth with the usual... Read MoreRegular Price: £19.99
Special Price: £18.49
Regular Price: £215.99
Special Price: £210.99
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Château Bonnet, Bordeaux Reserve, 2008
France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)A well-made red Bordeaux with a smooth feel and a nose bursting with fruit. Dark berries, cherries and smoky... Read More£10.99 -
Château Brane Cantenac, Margaux, 1976
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)This red from the famous Brane Cantenac has become slightly unknit with time but offers up fruits, life... Read More


Jeff C., West Calder

