Wine Abroad: France

Since 1998, France has remained the largest producer and consumer of wine (15 gallons per person) on the planet. But that is not what holds the wine world's envy. It is the country's geographical diversity - which helps it produce such a wide range of high-quality wines - and the fact that noble varieties such as Merlot (Pomerol) and Cabernet Sauvignon have their origins in France.

The wines of France are site-specific, meaning that Syrah does best in the northern Rhone Valley and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes for the world's most austere sparkling wines grow in Champagne. It is the large hand of government that has helped to develop the strict winegrowing and viticultural laws of the world's most famous wine region. For the most part, it is French wines that fetch the highest prices in the world, such as Petrus and Chateau d'Yquem, of which older vintages cost in the thousands. 

The French coined the term "terroir," which refers to the soil, climate and topography that shapes the character of a wine. Many countries are still searching for their terroir, but the French have it down to an artful science. Bordeaux, which enjoys a maritime influence along the Atlantic Coast, leads the way with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Pinot Noir grown in the cooler Burgundy is the epitome of terroir and is thus revered around the world for its perfume and ability to age.  

But the workhorse grapes of France also yield impressive, highly quaffable wines. Grenache from the Southern Rhone and Languedoc-Roussillon is found in many noteworthy blends. Gamay from the Loire Valley produces Beaujolais, the young fruity wine enjoyed with the Thanksgiving meal in the United States. In fact, in Paris restaurants, French people order wines from the Loire Valley more than any other region in France. The Loire is home to affordable and food-friendly white wines such as Chenin Blanc from Anjou-Samur, Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume.   

Suggested producers: Chateau De Beaucastel, Cheval Blanc, Cos d’Estournel, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux, Domaine Leroy.