good value french wine, chablis producer, wine, domaine, burgundy, chardonnay, merchant, cote de nuits, pinot, france, importers, growers, direct, quality, value, estate

Bordeaux blend

The great majority of both red and white wines produced around Bordeaux consist of a blend of more than one grape variety. For whites, the blend is classically Sauvignon with Sémillon. For reds, Merlot is blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, sometimes with small quantities of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Producers in many other parts of the world, taking top Bordeaux wines as their model, blend together these same varieties grown under their own different climatic conditions. A blend can give greater flavour complexity than a single variety.

Cabernet Franc

This is the main quality red grape of the Loire valley. As well as famous reds such as Chinon, St-Nicolas de Bourgeuil, Bourgeuil and Saumur Champigny, it makes other good reds (and rosés) such as Cabernet d’Anjou. The best have a raspberry flavour and chocolaty depth; many have a herbaceous edge, especially in cooler years. Cabernet Franc is also an important element in the fine wines of St-Emilion, and Bordeaux blends elsewhere.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The king of red grapes needs no introduction. Having won its spurs on the Left Bank of the Gironde, where it forms the base of Bordeaux’ Grands Crus Classés, it is now found throughout the world, winning success after success. Cabernet Sauvignon is intensely fruity, often with an aroma and flavour of very ripe blackcurrants. Though it can taste grassy or green-peppery in cool climates, hot climates can bring out mint, eucalyptus, tar, plum, raisin, and yet more blackcurrants. It is potentially tannic, but can be made in a soft style, and it has good acidity. It can age exceptionally well. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended, as in Bordeaux, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Carignan

A robust, tannic red variety, normally blended with other grapes, grown across the South of France and (as Cariñena, Mazuela or Mazuelo) in the northern part of Spain. Southern French Carignan grown on the flat can be rather pale, but Carignan from the Coteaux du Languedoc can be dark and intensely plummy with a distinct scent of thyme.

Champagne grapes

Champagne boasts three grape varieties, and single-variety Champagnes are very much in the minority. In most Champagnes, Pinot Meunier contributes immediate fruitiness; Chardonnay gives finesse, longevity and flavours ranging from citrus to the very strong toasty flavours of maturity; and Pinot Noir adds an appley fruitiness initially, and ages well towards red fruit flavours. The colour of rosé Champagnes has to come from Pinot Noir.

Chardonnay

This world-famous white grape has spread right across the world from its original home in Burgundy. It makes the most famous dry white wines in the world, culminating in le Montrachet. Chardonnays range from simple, lemony, appley quaffing wines to rich, opulent beauties with flavours of honey, hazelnut, toast, butter, pineapple… Some, such as fine white Burgundies, age extremely well. Chardonnay is one of the three Champagne grapes, and sole producer of Champagne Blanc de Blancs.

Chenin

The main white grape of the Loire Valley, the Chenin Blanc has high acidity and a honeyed, appley flavour. It makes a great variety of wine styles, from everyday to exceptionally fine, from dry to sweet, still and sparkling. Stunning sweet Loire wines, with wonderful balancing acidity and often affected by botrytis (noble rot) include Coteaux du Layon and Vouvray Moelleux. In warmer climates - South Africa, New Zealand, California – the Chenin makes crisp but softer dry whites.