Second wine flight to France

Jason Clarke, Contributor

Vin, la passion et la poursuite du Bonheur - wine, passion and the pursuit of happiness.

French wines play such a vibrant role in the wine industry that they have defined the wine landscape. Last week, I started with a brief introduction to French wines, and this week we continue. After all, the French really do know their wines. In trying to fully understand French wines, it may be important to note some of the more popular varietals produced and associated with specific regions in France:

• Bordeaux - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion
• Burgundy - Chardonnay
• Beaujolais - Gamay
• Champagne - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
• Loire Valley - Chenin Blanc, Savignon Blanc, Muscadet, Cabernet Franc.

Wines produced in these regions are usually done under strict wine laws. Yes, I said wine laws. For each particular region, you may see an indication of Appellation controlee. This is the highest level of geographic designation which speaks to its true authenticity, and may give an indication as to the quality of the wine.

French wines are all about blends (and not necessarily any one particular varietal standing on its own like a 'World Boss'), which is what makes for some amazing wines, taking all the best attributes from a myriad of varietals and putting them together in one bottle.

In my early days of wine drinking, I started with wine from Bordeaux which would have been a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and possibly a cabernet franc, but at the time never really understood it, relative to the varietal specific wines from California and Chile.

Biggest winemaker

Bordeaux is the fourth largest French city, and the largest controlled wine region, home to 10,000 wine-makers. I feel sorry for the guys who have to regulate these winemakers, much less taste them all. It's a tough job, but I guess someone has to do it. The secret to really understanding Bordeaux wines has a lot to do with knowing the landscape - where in Bordeaux the grapes are grown impacts its nuances.

I did, however, come across one such Bordeaux, which I found to be truly exquisite, Chateau Lamothe de Haux. Opening the bottle, I was immediately hit with an intense, deep fruit aroma. Picture driving by a KFC and the scent filling the air that makes you feel inclined to stop for a quick bite. That's how intoxicating the scent is. It has a deep and beautiful red colour, no doubt as a result of the blend of 60 per cent Merlot, 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, which adds tannins and body, and 10 per cent Cabernet Franc, which adds the fruitiness. This particular bottle had a vintage year of 2009, which is considered a great vintage year for Bordeaux, and, no doubt, will get only better with age. I may have to store a bottle and revisit it in five years and do another review. You can find this wine in a few restaurants on the north coast and at Uncorked in Sovereign North.

Not to exclude the white wine drinkers, a Fat bastard Chardonnay might be something to consider. Although with new world labelling, it is very French. Some time ago, I had mentioned its Shiraz for Superbowl, and its chardonnay is a great option as we get closer to summer and in need of something cold. Chardonnays generally work really well with lots of cream and fat, and this one is no different, complementing creamy pastas and cheese. For those who are more inclined to have wine with dinner, this is something to consider.

I am not an expert, merely a wine enthusiast sharing my thoughts and experiences. Feel free to share your own experiences at wineenthusiastja@gmail.com.