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french wine 101

25 French Wine Terms You Need To Know

One could argue that France is the philosophical heart of fine wine. Much of what the world now does, from vineyard practices to winemaking techniques, can be traced back to the viticultural motherland. Here are some must-know terms for exploring the wines of France.

50 Shades of Pink: Trends, Tastes, and Terroir of Provence Rosé

Synopsis: An opportunity to look at the reasons behind the incredible success of Provence rosé and how it has become the leader in quality rosé wine, we’ll discuss how the region’s unique heritage and terroir combined with the expertise of its winemakers have created - and continue to create - a style thathas become the global benchmark in rosé wine. Understanding the three sub-regions; Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence and CoteauxVarois en Provence,

Beyond The Textbook: Jura

Summary In this session we'll unravel the enigma of one of France's most idiosyncractic wine regions in the company of the world's leading Jura expert, Wink Lorch. In this webinar we will Cover the key appellations  Learn the most important wine styles Discuss how the Jura has changed over the last 10 years Get the low down on some of the most exciting producers of the region As ever, there will be a chance for those of
Bordeaux

Bordeaux is Constantly Evolving and It’s Nothing New

A History of innovation There’s a long history of innovation in Bordeaux; introducing topping up and sulphur to produce the ‘New French Claret’ in the 17th century, solving Mildew with the Bordeaux mixture in 1878 to the introduction of stainless steel in the 1960’s, when Château Haut Brion was accused by its peers for producing wine made in a dairy!

Insider's Guide: Marsanne vs Roussanne - Great Whites of the Northern Rhône

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary When most people think of the great grapes of the Northern Rhone they’ll think Syrah and Viognier. But we really shouldn’t overlook these other two fine varieties - they are

Insider's Guide: Rotundone and Dusted - Cracking the Code of Syrah's Spice

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary In this interview we’re joined by Matt Walls, one of the world’s leading experts on the wines of the Rhone, to answer all your questions on this hot topic! We discuss what the peppery smell on Syrah is

Insider's Guide: Stems in the Rhône - Viticulture, Winemaking and Wine Expression

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary Should you use whole bunches to make great Syrah? What does it add? Actually, what is it at all?!? We’re once again delighted to be joined by Matt Walls to discuss this really important part of the

Insider's Guide: Visiting the Jura

How to Watch? You can watch this session on our community space here Summary Have you ever fancied a trip to the Jura but don’t know where to start? We caught up recently with Jura afficionados Manon Gallet and Phelan Burgoyne to discuss all the things you need to know to plan a wine trip

Insider's Guide: White Grapes of the Jura

Where to Watch You can watch this Insider's Guide Interview in our community space here Summary In our final interview with Philippe Troussard, we discuss the amazing potential and versatility found in the white grapes of the Jura. Of course Philippe mentions the great Vin Jaune, but he also explores the

Old Vines: Solutions for the Future

WSG is proud be the first Educational Partner of The Old Vine Conference. Read more to find out how this dynamic non-profit organization is actively creating a global network of old-vine disciples while raising awareness through education.  The economic and social relevance of old vines is real, but the structure of the global wine industry stacks the odds against the regenerative commercial viability of old vines. The result is that healthy old vineyards of cultural resonance and unique qualitative potential are lost because they can’t be made to pay.  The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to bring together a global network to create a new category for wine from heritage vineyards. The Old Vine Conference works to safeguard old vines of cultural and ecological value by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, partnerships, tastings and fieldtrips.

Tasting Room: What Makes a Great Wine?

Watch Here You can find this recording in our community space here Summary In this month’s Icon tasting, I get to try one of the Northern Rhone superstars, Domaine JP Jamet’s Cote-Rotie from 2011. It got me thinking about what it takes to elevate a
Sunlit patchwork of Beaujolais vineyard slopes and villages, showing rolling hills that define the crus’ granite-rich terroir
© Beaujolais Wines/Etienne Ramousse

The 10 Crus of Beaujolais: What Do They Share? How Do They Differ?

Over the past 20 years, the restoration of Beaujolais has been one of the great success stories in French wine. For decades it was best known for simple Beaujolais Nouveau, rushed out for consumption on the third Thursday of November every year, but the hullaballoo around this marketing stunt is now dissipating as the potential quality of its cru wines draws the spotlight.

The 2022 Vintage in France by Andrew Jefford

The 2022 vintage was, in general, a great year for France. Weirdly. Look at the data. It shouldn’t have been: the gauges for both drought and heat were often flashing red. What happened?