FRENCH WINES A STYLE OF WINE FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE

Transcription

1 FRENCH WINES A STYLE OF WINE FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE A journey through the regions and wine styles of France

2 FRENCH WINES : THE EUROPEAN CONTEXT

3 FRENCH WINES AT A GLANCE France the world s biggest wine producer Centuries of viticultural experience :Winegrowing since 600 BC 13 winegrowing regions 360 appellations and 75 wines with protected geographical indication Many now-international grape varieties originated in France One bottle in five exported around the world

4 HISTORY 6000 BC Origins in Persia? 1600 BC From the Egyptians to the Greeks 600 BC Introduction to France via the Greeks (Phocians) Spread by the Romans 6 th Century Continued by monks 17 th Century Adopted by the nobility 1789 French Revolution 18 th Century 1864 The first wine merchants arrive with the glass bottle + cork PHYLLOXERA OUTBREAK (destroys about 80% of the vineyards) 1889 Wine is legally defined 1934 Founding of the I.N.A.O. A.O.C Introduction of Vins de Pays 1979 Introduction of V.D.Q.S Introduction of Vins de Pays de Région 2009 New E.U. designations

5 WINE IN EUROPE TODAY Since August 2009: the European Union has reclassified wine throughout Europe Objectives: Simplification and clarity Strengthen the position of European wines on the global market New segmentation for French wines too 3 categories: PDO/AOP = Protected Designation of Origin/Appellation d Origine Protégée PGI/IGP = Protected Geographical Indication/ Indication Géographique Protégée Vin de France without geographical indication Strict legal regulations continue to apply.

6 EUROPEAN SEALS OF ORIGIN IN FRANCE SINCE AUGUST 2009 Wines with geographical indication Wines with no geographical indication/wines with national origin PDO/AOP (formerly AOC) PGI/IGP (formerly vin de pays) VIN DE FRANCE Option to include grape varieties and vintage on the label

7 EUROPEAN SEALS OF ORIGIN IN FRANCE : AOP AOP = Appellation d Origine Protégée (Protected Designation of Origin ), formerly AOC AOP wines are produced entirely in the specific designated region AOP = highest category of French wines with the strictest requirements Special combination of terroir and local customs (authorised grape varieties, yields and means of production ) Unique wine typical of the region 360 AOP wines today: 47.8% of total French wine production

8 EUROPEAN SEALS OF ORIGIN IN FRANCE: IGP IGP = Indication Géographique Protégée (Protected Geographical Indication), formerly vin de pays IGP = intermediate category of French wines IGP wines have a specific geographical origin, but it is generally more broadly defined than for AOP Regulations are more flexible, e.g. for permitted grape varieties Traditional production process guaranteed 75 IGP denominations today: 27.5% of the total French wine production

9 THE NEW DESIGNATION VIN DE FRANCE wines with national origin Vin de France = wine from France, with option to include grape varieties and vintage on the label Uncomplicated wine enjoyment juicy, fruity red wines, elegant white wines, delicious rosés Vin de France can come from all over France Vin de France can be a blend ( cuvée ) of wines from different regions of France Production limited to 100 hl/ha Minimum 9% vol. alcohol

10 THE NEW DESIGNATION VIN DE FRANCE Wines labelled "Vin de France" are often sold under a brand name. Grape varieties and vintage may be specified on the label Vds Vin de France without vf grape variety or vintage Vin de France may be a blend of several grape varieties;their complementarities allow them to make wines that are harmonious and enjoyable. Examples of common blends of grape varieties (assemblage) Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon: character and opulent fruitiness Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc: vibrant fruit and fragrant elegance Colombard & Ugni Blanc: floral flavours and exciting freshness Vds Vin de France with grape vf variety or vintage

11 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES COMPARED France Vin de France 75 I.G.P. Indication Géographique Protégée Germany German wine G.G.A. Geschützte Geographische Angabe (Protected Geographic Indication) A.O.P. Appellation d Origine Protégée A.O.P. with regional designation (name of the growing area) A.O.P. with sub-regional designation (name of a principal location) A.O.P. with local designation (name of a municipality) 1er Cru, Grand Cru, Grand Cru Classé P.D.O Geschützte Ursprungsbezeichnung Special quality wines -Spätlese -Auslese -Beerenauslese -Trockenbeerenauslese -Eiswein

12 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES COMPARED Italy Spain Portugal Vino d Italia Vino de Espagna Vinho de Portugal I.G.P. Indicazione Geograpfica Protetta I.G.P. Indicacion Geografica Protegida I.G.P. Indicacao Geografica Protegida D.O.P. Denominazione di Origine Protetta D.O.C.G. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita D.O.P Denominacion de Origen Protegida D.O.P. Denominacao de Origen Protegida