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Viewing French Wine Can Cost Over 1000 Per BottleFrench Wine Can Cost Over 1000 Per Bottle
By Martyn Davis
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Wine is undoubtedly one of the great national treasures of France, and some of the most expensive in the world, like a vintage Romanee Conti red wine produced in Burgundy, can set you back anything upwards of 1,000 for just one bottle. Wine is undoubtedly one of the great national treasures of France, which over the years has become an integral part of French culture and is rooted in history with around half a million vineyards. Although you can find many great value wines and numerous different varieties to choose from, whatever your palette, there are also some of the most expensive wines in the world produced in France. The vast majority of people will never be able to experience them in their lifetime. In fact, a vintage Romanee Conti red wine produced from the pinot noir grape in Burgundy can cost anything upwards of 1,000 for just one bottle. A rare vintage case of 12 was sold at auction in London for a staggering 58,500, making this the most expensive case of wine sold at auction up until the year 2007. Both Bordeaux and Burgundy have always contested that they produce the best wines, and in their own ways, they are probably both correct. Yet excepting the Champagne region, famous for the sparkling wine of the same name, Bordeaux wines are far more widely known than those from Burgundy. No matter what region in France you holiday to, you will be able to sample a wide variety of different wines. It is a good idea to get to know your preferences before trying different ones. Whether you prefer a red wine or a white wine, sweet or dry, still or sparkling, the choice is immense. Going to a wine tasting session can be great fun, trying out different varieties. However, for some it can also be a little daunting, especially if it is not on an arranged tour. However, here are some general pointers that will get you through. When tasting wine, you should always start with the lightest wines such as sparkling wines and work through to full bodied whites, then through the reds from the light to the full bodied, and end with dessert wines. This will help to keep your taste buds more sensitive, so that you can better appreciate each wine. In some places, they even supply water in between so that you can get the full flavor and texture of each wine you taste. You should swill the wine round in the glass a couple of times, which will help aerate it and provide you with the full aroma. It is customary to spit out most wine, rather than swallow it, although you can swallow a small amount on occasion to experience what it is like after it has gone down. The Loire Valley is a massive wine-producing region that produces a variety of wine such as Muscadet, Cabernet Franc, Gamay reds, and even reasonably priced Sauvignon Blancs. With the beautiful chateaux plus the tranquil winding river, it makes the Loire region one of the most visited areas in France for experiencing wines and fine French food. Yet for hundreds of years, Bordeaux has had a long and internationally famous history of high quality wines. It is also a very popular place to visit, although you can still pick up a good value Bordeaux wine if you travel to the outskirts of the region. Champagne is so tightly controlled for what can be classed as true champagne, and you will come to appreciate why some varieties are so expensive and are only produced in this region for consumption throughout the world. However, some vineyards will charge far less for a bottle of their champagne with the same finesse, compared to that of the famous brands we have all come to know. The Languedoc region in France is one of the biggest wine producing regions. To put this into perspective, it has over two times more land planted to vines than the whole of Australia! Even though in the past, they concentrated more on quantity rather than quality, this is changing so that you can pick up a reasonably priced wine that can compare to some at double or even triple the cost. However, France is a country that has such a different range of wines from the many wine regions, and each one will provide a taste, aroma, and body like no other. Some regions offer such a diverse range that it can be quite mind boggling, yet a fascinating experience. Obviously, white wine has long been associated with fish and chicken, whereas red wine is normally paired with red meats and game. Yet when you are in France experiencing the fantastic culinary delights of the region's specialty French food, take the time to choose a wine that will enhance the experience or ask for advice and enjoy. About the Author: www.placesinfrance.com Martyn Davis: European traveler, author, photographer and business development manager. For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions: French Wine from Various Regions in France. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com |
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