When you think of France, what comes to your mind? Is it a romantic local customs or a splendid history and culture? For most wine lovers, the word “France” has long been associated with a strong wine aroma. Whether it is its long winemaking history, numerous star producing areas, or its outstanding wine quality and diverse wine styles, they are all amazing. Why is French wine so popular? And why can it occupy a pivotal position in the international wine market? This article will take you to find out.
1. Looking back at history, it has a long history
Historically, the beginnings of French wine are generally traced back to the Greeks and Romans, who brought the vines to France and started the tradition of growing grapes and making wine. Around the 5th century, the church took over most of the vineyards and was responsible for management and winemaking in order to provide wine for religious activities. Later, vineyards became the property of princes and nobles, and wine became an increasingly part of French culture.
2. Based on the present, there are many well-known producing areas
In the late 19th century, the Phylloxera disease dealt a fatal blow to French vineyards. Later, it was found that American grape vines were resistant to phylloxera, so American grape vines were used as rootstocks, which to a certain extent promoted the recovery and development of the French wine industry. In constant practice, France is now home to many well-known wine-producing regions from east to west, from south to north, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Loire Valley, Champagne ( Champagne) and the Rhone Valley. A series of large and small vineyards dotted all over France.
3. Legal protection, clear classification
In the 1930s, France launched the Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) system, which has a series of strict regulations on grape varieties, minimum potential alcohol content, maximum yield, cultivation methods and winemaking methods. Sets legal standards for viticulture and winemaking, helping to improve the quality of wine. In addition, some well-known French producing areas also have their own grading systems, such as the 1855 grading system of the Medoc on the left bank of Bordeaux, the Saint-Emilion grading on the right bank of Bordeaux, and the Burgundy grading. Perfect relevant laws and regulations and grading system not only provide guarantee for the quality of French wine, but also provide convenience for consumers to buy French wine.
4. Benchmark of fine wine, hometown of well-known varieties
Many world-renowned grape varieties are sourced from France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Bleu Nuo (Pinot Gris) et al. To a certain extent, French wine is a benchmark for the quality and style of wines from other countries. For example, when we taste New Zealand’s Pinot Noir, we are used to comparing it with Burgundy’s Pinot Noir.
Of course, the reason why French wine is so famous is actually the result of a combination of factors, not just the above four points. Targeted brand marketing and promotion, consumer preferences, and market and price factors are also important reasons for the popularity of French wines.