Getting Started With French Wine | Wine Folly

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A bit more on French Wine:

Getting into French wine is a bit baffling to the neophyte. Firstly, wines are labeled by region instead of grape variety. And, with over 330 regions (called "appellations") it's hard to know what's what. Fortunately, there's a better way.

Back out of France to the national level and you'll see that the climate changes drastically from North to South. In the South, you'll find a prevalence of bolder, fruitier red wines made with grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

As you move north (to cooler climates) the focus moves more to zesty white wines, sparkling wines and elegant reds. Think Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Champagne! So, next time you see an appellation listed on the bottle, figure out where it sits in the country, and that's a big clue as to the style.

Until next time, happy tasting!

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[mistergustav]

I could have used this for Mother’s Day. I made my wife an intro to French wine passport copying all kinds of info from you’re amazing website and went to my local wine shop to build a case around the passport that covered each region. So I can attest, your case idea is a winner and my gift wouldn’t have been possible without your channel 😀

[divinowineclub]

Your video is very important because it deals with issues that many experts and critics do not address. what is lacking in oenological culture is often the construction of the concept of what is basic. Whether from the perspective of talking about what the grape is, about the flesh being white and what gives color to the skin. Talk about volume and density of mouth without using difficult words, but try to address everyday situations, the cheap wine of everyday life. Thank you very much wine folly, and to all oenophiles, winemakers and curious people in the world of wine for building all this together with us every day.

[irinaillera]

I can't believe you just posted this video when I'm preparing for my France exam (somm student). And I'm also using the "Wine Folly Master Guide" so is the perfect complement. I love you guys!

[tiredoffools]

Madeline, this was a great video and I absolutely love your brief breakdown on French Wine. Would love to see more of this "Getting Started With, " for as many countries as you can muster. Your book is already a fantastic resource but it was also nice to actually see you educating us similarly in video form. This entire production is impressive and I really appreciate it. Hats off to you and everyone behind the scenes for making it all happen!

[sabrinamobley]

12 wines from the best that France has to offer? Count me in!🥂Great video. Looking forward to more.

[saturnmystic]

Working at this French wine bar and I need to memories all the wines by the glass while providing short descriptions I order to sound like I know what I’m talking about when I am selling and this video has helped me a bunch!
I feel more confident in my ability to sell some wine thank you so much. ☺️

[scottdunlap]

Per usual, great stuff. Wine Folly is just fantastic.

[johnkuhn]

Really like the idea of a case of select wines. Let me know when!

[thomaslindsay]

This is great, do Italy next! I know Italy must be about as straightforward as France, but since they generally don't use French grapes it's a whole new vocabulary. And yes to the case.

[Gisbertus_Voetius]

Very well structured lesson. I learnt a lot. Thank you.

[jacksonfl]

Madeline - One of your best videos ever. Very professional. Thanks!

[roy]

Learning "only" the different appelations or villages in Burgundy make you dizzy. Even winemakers over there can't name them all. Most difficult region hands down.

[kevingeeting]

Super as usual, Madeline! Don’t forget about the varietal Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris wines from Alsace! And I would argue that the Cab Franc based blends from Bordeaux are pretty good!

[mgeherman]

This is a much-needed video. Could you do one on German wine? That country is soooo confusing!

[karnoctis]

My own selection (best value) of french wines :
- Appellation "Saumur-Champigny" from Loire Valley (light, fresh red wines with a small acidity / mineral and juicy white wines)
- Appellation "Côtes-de-Provence" from Provence (some incredible rosés / strong body red wines to keep 1 or 2 years in your cellar, especially with Mourvedre / fruity and complex white wines)

[dennistsiorbas]

Chablis is my favorite Chardonnay, but though I love Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), which is more consistent and has more minerality than Cali Sauvignon Blanc, I have found some SBs from Cali more complex, richer, spicier, and pairable, e.g., Cade; this isn't forgetting wonderful wines from New Zealand, SA, or even Chile. Just me musing after your wonderful post.
Thank you, and salute!

[numanuma]

I just got the Wine Folly magnum book and it is great for preparing for my beginner level certification. I love all the different grapes mentioned in the book that I have never heard of.

[Randolph]

I live in France and found this valuable. One of the graphics has North switched with South, fyi.
Nice presentation.

[JuliaSantos-zexz]

You did a very good job on this video. You were able to give great details; even though, the video’s information is well resumed and short. ❤

[djnilsondiaz]

I FREAKING LOVED THE WAY YOU PRODUCE YOUR VIDEO AND YOUR ATTITUDE