Learn About Wine - French Sommelier

PAYS NANTAIS
Muscadet and Gros Plant
In the wine world, the Pays Nantais is the grape-growing region surrounding the town of Nantes. With the production of Muscadet and Gros Plant, the whole area spreads around 10,500 hectares. ...

The Revitalized Mâconnais

In the last 20 years no wine region in the world has made more impressive strides in producing serious quality wines than the Mâconnais in France. This is truly a revitalization, rather than a rediscovery, as the Mâconnais has been producing wines for a very long time. Although the area has always made some excellent wines, mostly what we saw were large quantities of mediocre wine, or acceptable basic stuff but without any real character. ..

The "Lost" Bordeaux

Bordeaux is arguably the most unique wine region in the world. In size alone, producing upwards of 75 million cases of wine each year, this one region makes more wine than some countries. Additionally, the region has always had an international aspect to it, historically many European nations have participated as Château owners,...

Riesling - The Most Misunderstood
Riesling is one of the most loved and respected grape varieties by connoisseurs and wine professionals, yet many wine drinkers say that they don't like it. What's the disconnect? The pros love it because Riesling can produce wines of ...

French Catalonia
Perpignan and its Idyllic Landscape

I hesitated between titling this article "Muscatland" or "French Catalonia". In the wine industry, Muscat reigns as king in this region, so Muscatland was my first pick. However, its Catalonian influence cannot be denied. So here it is: "French Catalonia", a region known as much for its idyllic landscape as for its terrific Muscats..

One Foot In
Heaven
Pouilly-Sur-Loire/Sancerre/Chavignol

.Located only two and a half hours from Paris, the region comprising Pouilly-Sur-Loire, Sancerre, and Chavignol is one of the most charming regions of France. These three towns are perfect destinations for a romantic getaway; instead of visiting one, why not head to all three? Simply rent a car and escape Paris on Highway A6, then after seeing signs for Nemours, merge onto Highway A77...

Beaujolais Nouveau

What did you drink last night? We -- along with thousands of other people -- were enjoying the 2015 Beaujolais Nouveau. To be honest: Beaujolais Nouveau doesn't enjoy a good reputation ...