Wine occupies a completely special place in the lives of the French
France, where wine production originated back in the 6th century BC, is the oldest and most famous region in Europe where the drink of the gods is made. Today, over 50,000 wineries in the country produce products that are in huge demand on the international market. Tourists who dream of fully immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of France visit vineyards, learn about the production process of the "sunny drink", and participate in tastings.
From Dijon in the north to Mâcon in the south stretches Burgundy. It is here, in the village of Puligny-Montrachet, that a white wine considered the best in France is produced. Its secret is ten years of aging, resulting in an aromatic golden drink with a surprisingly long aftertaste.
True connoisseurs know that the amazing red wines of France are made in Bordeaux. Many winemakers in Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien, Pomerol, Pessac, Sauternes, and other localities in the region allow tourists to observe all stages of the production process and participate in bottling the wine. Bordeaux produces some of the most expensive varieties in the world, including Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Lafite Rothschild.
The most famous vintage wine of the Provence region is Côtes de Provence with a wonderful aroma of blackcurrant and blueberry. The ancient cellars of Avignon are invariably popular among travelers, where tastings are held of such winemaking masterpieces as the golden Palette, in which notes of honey, mint, and linden are distinctly felt.
The production in the Loire Valley region is distinguished by great diversity. The delightful delicate wines Cabernet d'Anjou, Cabernet Sauvignon, the inimitable white wines Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Muscadet, as well as rosé dry and sweet varieties are the true pride of local estates. Excursions to the vineyards surrounding the castles of Amboise, Cheverny, Chinon, Vouvray, Azay-le-Rideau give a chance to touch the history of winemaking.
Guests of the Mediterranean region of Languedoc-Roussillon will be interested to learn that the local climate amazingly affects the grapes grown here, from which unsurpassed French wines with a noble taste are produced. The picturesque town of Minervois, surrounded by olive trees and mighty green oaks, is worthy of attention. Here they produce white drinks with a fresh floral scent and red varieties with spicy aromas.
A special microclimate is also provided for the vineyards of Alsace, spread over sun-drenched hills. It is noteworthy that Alsatian wines are named after the grape variety from which they are made. A true masterpiece is the velvety drink with an intense aroma and long aftertaste of the Selection de grains nobles category, obtained from berries affected by the Botrytis cinerea fungus.
Tourists interested in the history and traditions of winemaking can again and again discover interesting facts about the "sunny drink" for which France is famous. After all, this country is one of the largest wine producers in the world and the founder of wine classification.
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