France Uncorked Travel Tips

When I think of France I imagine the Eiffel Tower and crisp baguettes in bicycle baskets pedaled by beautiful dark haired women in polka dot dresses. I think of tiny cars rushing around the Champs Elysees and afternoons spent exploring the Louvre in between shots of Espresso and lingering glasses of red wine.

Ah yes, I think of the wine.

For centuries, the French have mastered the art of wine making, cultivating a rich culture amidst tumbling pastures and sun-drenched coasts. Much like the complexity of their finest Bordeaux, the Wine Route, or “Route du Vin,” entices travelers to take another sip as they explore the aromas and flavors of this delicious country.

Bordeaux 
There is more to the Bordeaux region than wine. Today, the area boasts a number of activities for travelers including: medieval museums, colorful gardens, casinos, beaches and golf courses. As the largest fine winemaking region in France, the vineyards of this region have perfected their red through a subtle blending of five grape varietals. True to the saying, “all good things come to those who wait,” the Bordeaux is best when aged, making it one of the most popular wine collectibles. Amidst much excitement, the 2003 Bordeaux was just released. The long hot summer of that year produced an opulent high-quality, low-quantity and exclusively priced vintage.

Burgundy 
Dispelling the mantra that bigger is better, Burgundy entices travelers with a quaint and peaceful region of rolling hills, narrow alleyways and rustic villages. Guests explore the ancient countryside sprinkled with medieval chateaux and ancient monasteries by foot or bicycle. Beaujolais in the south, releases their Beaujolais Nouveau with great fanfare each November. Beaujolais wine is released the same year it is picked, making for a fruitier, sweeter wine. Served chilled, Beaujolais is meant to be enjoyed in high spirits rather than critiqued.

Alsace 
Rumored to be one of the most beautiful regions in the world, Alsace uniquely blends both German and French cultures. Dramatic landscapes and storybook villages serve as the backdrop to the Alsace Wine Route, spanning nearly 125 miles. Alsace is the only region of France to continue the tradition of making varietal wines only, which are made primarily from a single variety of grape, presenting each grape in its purest form. The region is best known for its Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines, also made with late harvested grapes, which connoisseurs consider a rare pleasure.

Loire Valley 
Fit for a king, the Loire Valley has hosted royalty, artists and masterful winemakers for centuries. Home to the grandest chateaux in France, the majestic Chambord, and Villandry gardens, travelers experience the true meaning of chivalrous decadence. Wines of the Loire are of a great variety, ranging from still, sparkling and very dry to acidic, sweet and hearty. Locals encourage visitors to try the Pouilly-Fume, a full-bodied white, renowned for its rich texture and lasting flavor.

Rhone 
Wine lovers rightly associate Cˆotes du Rhone with the hilltop towns and open-air markets of the southern Rhone valley in Provence. Celebrated for their full-bodied reds, the Chateauneuf-du-Pape is made with more than thirteen grape varieties. Praised by the 14th century Popes residing in their summer palace near the historic walled city of Avignon, the Rhone still enraptures the wine enthusiasts of today. Hot summer months are best accompanied with a rose wine from Tavel and Lirac.