France

France

The influence of France's vine growing prowess cannot be denied. It's geographic range, coupled with tradition and confidence has lead to it's prominence in setting the benchmark for wine across the world.

The defining feature of French wines is terroir, a combination of environmental factors which give the wines character and style. 

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    • Origin
    • Southern France
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
    A bright and punchy Merlot with distinctive plum character and a velvety finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • Southern France
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
    A bright and punchy Merlot with distinctive plum character and a velvety finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £9.10 What is MIX6?

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    £7.58 exc VAT
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    £9.98 £8.32
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The perfect expression of the fruity and elegant aromas of Henriet Bazins' Grand Cru plots in Verzenay and Verzy, this blended rosé contains a good p... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The perfect expression of the fruity and elegant aromas of Henriet Bazins' Grand Cru plots in Verzenay and Verzy, this blended rosé contains a good p... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £44.94 What is MIX6?

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    £37.45 exc VAT
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    £51.94 £43.28
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Round with a pungent bouquet of grilled almonds and vanilla. Nice fullness in the mouth with integrated oak and a long, mineral finish. Despite being ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Round with a pungent bouquet of grilled almonds and vanilla. Nice fullness in the mouth with integrated oak and a long, mineral finish. Despite being ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £222.00 What is MIX6?

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    £185.00 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £239.08 £199.23
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Superbly balanced and tremendously elegant champagne with a fine depth and flavour. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Superbly balanced and tremendously elegant champagne with a fine depth and flavour. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £52.96 What is MIX6?

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    £44.13 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £55.99 £46.66
    • Origin
    • France
    A soft, yet deceptively complex Merlot from the south of France. Fresh plum and cassis give way to a hint of violets on the finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    A soft, yet deceptively complex Merlot from the south of France. Fresh plum and cassis give way to a hint of violets on the finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £9.95 What is MIX6?

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    £8.29 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £10.94 £9.12
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The Sélection de Parcelles cuvée combines the sensual minerality of the Chardonnay Premier Cru from Villers-Marmery with the elegant power of the Pi... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    The Sélection de Parcelles cuvée combines the sensual minerality of the Chardonnay Premier Cru from Villers-Marmery with the elegant power of the Pi... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £39.95 What is MIX6?

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    £33.29 exc VAT
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    £45.95 £38.29
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Vinified as a homage to the exceptional Chardonnays grown on pure chalk from the Montagne de Reims, this single vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses all ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Vinified as a homage to the exceptional Chardonnays grown on pure chalk from the Montagne de Reims, this single vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses all ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £42.95 What is MIX6?

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    £35.79 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £49.94 £41.62
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Golden yellow in colour with green tints; the nose shows fresh apple and pear, with nutty aromas, and the palate is rich and round with well-balanced ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Golden yellow in colour with green tints; the nose shows fresh apple and pear, with nutty aromas, and the palate is rich and round with well-balanced ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £74.99 What is MIX6?

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    £62.49 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £82.99 £69.16
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Entices with vibrant notes of ripe citrus and toasted almonds. Delicate minerality intertwines seamlessly, while a creamy texture elevates the experie... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    Entices with vibrant notes of ripe citrus and toasted almonds. Delicate minerality intertwines seamlessly, while a creamy texture elevates the experie... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £61.56 What is MIX6?

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    £51.30 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £67.60 £56.33
    • Origin
    • France
    • Beaujolais
    Arrayed in a gorgeous cherry-like hue, this Morgon is dominated by aromas of black fruit, including blackberries and blackcurrants, gently topped with... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Beaujolais
    Arrayed in a gorgeous cherry-like hue, this Morgon is dominated by aromas of black fruit, including blackberries and blackcurrants, gently topped with... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £13.56 What is MIX6?

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    £11.30 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £15.59 £12.99
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Full and rich with a toasty character, this a truly well made Champagne from this renowned Champagne house. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Champagne
    Full and rich with a toasty character, this a truly well made Champagne from this renowned Champagne house. Read More
    Single 75cl bottle
    £52.94 £44.12
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Left Bank
    • Medoc
    A tapestry of rich, ripe blackberries and cassis, interwoven with hints of cedar and tobacco. Firm tannins provide structure, while a velvety texture ... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Left Bank
    • Medoc
    A tapestry of rich, ripe blackberries and cassis, interwoven with hints of cedar and tobacco. Firm tannins provide structure, while a velvety texture ... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £22.94 What is MIX6?

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    £19.12 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £24.95 £20.79
    • Origin
    • Southern France
    A wine which is light in body and has a lower than usual alcohol content. Citrus, gooseberry and apricot on the nose and palate. Crisp and refreshing. Read More
    • Origin
    • Southern France
    A wine which is light in body and has a lower than usual alcohol content. Citrus, gooseberry and apricot on the nose and palate. Crisp and refreshing. Read More
    BUY 3 for £27.00 £9.00 £22.50 exc VAT £7.50 exc VAT
    As part of a MIX6 £9.10 What is MIX6?

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    £7.58 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £9.95 £8.29
    • Origin
    • Southern France
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
    A gorgeous full-bodied blend of red grapes commonly grown in the South of France. Ample ripe black fruit aromas are present throughout and are joined ... Read More
    • Origin
    • Southern France
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
    A gorgeous full-bodied blend of red grapes commonly grown in the South of France. Ample ripe black fruit aromas are present throughout and are joined ... Read More
    BUY 3 for £37.51 £12.50 £31.26 exc VAT £10.42 exc VAT
    As part of a MIX6 £12.74 What is MIX6?

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    £10.62 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £14.50 £12.08
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    This characterful red displays rich, dark and spicy aromas adorned with lighter hints of floral and wood notes. Rich in the mouth, yet perfectly balan... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    This characterful red displays rich, dark and spicy aromas adorned with lighter hints of floral and wood notes. Rich in the mouth, yet perfectly balan... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £42.55 What is MIX6?

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    £35.46 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £48.49 £40.41
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    This soft, elegant wine has aromas of flowers, citrus fruits and honey, with a lovely warming toastiness which combines with more subtle ideas of almo... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    This soft, elegant wine has aromas of flowers, citrus fruits and honey, with a lovely warming toastiness which combines with more subtle ideas of almo... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £24.95 What is MIX6?

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    £20.79 exc VAT
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    £27.95 £23.29
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    A divine elegant structured Burgundy made by Alain Chavy on his small 17 acres of vineyards in the premium wine region of Puligny Montrachet. Describe... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    A divine elegant structured Burgundy made by Alain Chavy on his small 17 acres of vineyards in the premium wine region of Puligny Montrachet. Describe... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £25.56 What is MIX6?

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    £21.30 exc VAT
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    £29.39 £24.49
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    An absolutely stunning white Burgundy from the renowned Chateau de Blagny. Expect expressive aromas of honey, peach, and toasted almonds. Extremely el... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    An absolutely stunning white Burgundy from the renowned Chateau de Blagny. Expect expressive aromas of honey, peach, and toasted almonds. Extremely el... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £80.56 What is MIX6?

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    £67.13 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £83.59 £69.66
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Left Bank
    • Haut-Medoc
    A beautiful and intense claret with red fruits, vanilla and spice on the nose which follow through to the full bodied palate that has a wonderful rich... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Left Bank
    • Haut-Medoc
    A beautiful and intense claret with red fruits, vanilla and spice on the nose which follow through to the full bodied palate that has a wonderful rich... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £14.00 What is MIX6?

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    £11.67 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £16.00 £13.33
    • Origin
    • France
    • South of France
    Cherry flavours evolve toward peppery, mentholated notes. A hint of cedar rounds out the fruitiness. Silky texture with impressive length. Complex and... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • South of France
    Cherry flavours evolve toward peppery, mentholated notes. A hint of cedar rounds out the fruitiness. Silky texture with impressive length. Complex and... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £14.51 What is MIX6?

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    £12.09 exc VAT
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    £16.49 £13.74
    • Origin
    • France
    • South of France
    Fresh and juicy with complex notes of almond and grapefruit on the nose and palate, joined by soft vanilla on the finish. Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • South of France
    Fresh and juicy with complex notes of almond and grapefruit on the nose and palate, joined by soft vanilla on the finish. Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £14.46 What is MIX6?

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    £12.05 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £16.60 £13.83
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Right Bank
    • Pomerol
    Rich, muscular and complex with layered aromas of elegant damson, eucalyptus and brooding black fruits. Silky Pomerol tannins lead to a long and sumpt... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Bordeaux
    • Right Bank
    • Pomerol
    Rich, muscular and complex with layered aromas of elegant damson, eucalyptus and brooding black fruits. Silky Pomerol tannins lead to a long and sumpt... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £310.94 What is MIX6?

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    £259.12 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £349.98 £291.65
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    An elegant and gorgeously fruity wine, perfumed and balanced with incredibly supple tannins behind. On the palate there are sweet red fruits, spiced b... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    An elegant and gorgeously fruity wine, perfumed and balanced with incredibly supple tannins behind. On the palate there are sweet red fruits, spiced b... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £65.56 What is MIX6?

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    £54.63 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £72.49 £60.41
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    A stunning, one of the fuller-bodied red Burgundies showcasing powerful notes of wild cherries and blackberries, expressing a beautiful balance betwee... Read More
    • Origin
    • France
    • Burgundy
    A stunning, one of the fuller-bodied red Burgundies showcasing powerful notes of wild cherries and blackberries, expressing a beautiful balance betwee... Read More
    As part of a MIX6 £65.56 What is MIX6?

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    £54.63 exc VAT
    Single 75cl bottle
    £70.55 £58.79
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Grapes

France is famed for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,Pinot Noir, Syrah and many other varieties of grape that still, arguably, achieve their ultimate expression here.  It is also home to Cognac and Armagnac, the finest of brandies, and the famous apple brandy of Calvados.

History

The Greeks brought viticulture to France's Mediterranean coast in about 600BC. During Roman occupation, the vine spread along two main routes: west to Garonne/ Bordeaux and north through the Rhone Valley. After the Roman Emprire collapsed the Church became the most important land owners and producers, especially in Burgundy, Loire Valley and Champagne. The political changes in the 18th Century didn't affect the wine trade per se, however changes to the religious oders had significant impacts on land ownership. Bordeaux saw a boom in wealth and growth as foreign trade blossomed, not least with the French West Indies. The 1855 classification system was introduced, bringing more uniform standards. 

The Classification System

The current Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system was introduced in 1930's and is founded on the principle that defined geographic location is responsible for the unique character and flavour of individual French wines. There are three levels to the AOC: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), Vin de Pays (VdP) and Vin de Table (VdT). The quality standards are highest in AOC wines, covering details including vine yield, minimum alcohol levels and of course grape varieties and apellation boundaries. Grand Cru and Premier Cru sit within AOC. This compares to VdT were neither grape variety, vintage ore region are required on the label.

Climate and Terroir

The diversity of France's climate relates to its plethora of styles and the main wine regions fall into three climatic zones. Bordeaux, Loire Valley and the Southwest are within the maritime climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The South of France and southern Rhone Valley are under a Mediterranean climate while northern Rhone, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne fall into a continental influence. The climate, wine style and gastronomy are all tightly woven together and to unpick them require much more time and room on the page than is allowed!

If the region defines the style of the wine, terroir is responsible for all the fine tuning.  It's the crucial combination of environmental factors such as microclimate, soil type and topography. It's an underpinning principle in the classification system and endless source of debate.

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