The southern side of Rhône has a vastly different, mostly
Mediterranean climate, compared to the north. The differing “terroirs” (environmental
conditions) has favoured the cultivation of a variety of French wines, and the
most famous red wine to come from the region is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
As
with most French wineries, Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s wine making history dates back
several centuries. The Romans were the first to produce French wines at
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a tour around the southern side of the Rhône Valley will
reveal several Roman ruins, including the most well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have a rich and luscious texture when young and acquire
a more silky texture as they age.
Burgundy’s reputation as the maker of both red and white
fine French wines is legendary. The region is renowned for two main grape
varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The most expensive wine in the world, Domaine
de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, with a maximum price of over
US$500,000, also comes from the Burgundy region. Burgundy’s reds can be best described
as well-rounded and delicate with a fresh finish, while its whites offer a
saline and lemony finish with a touch of liquorice and brioche.
Côte-d'Or is
the heart of Burgundy wineries and Beaune is its unofficial wine capital. An
annual wine auction is held in November at the Hospices de Beaune where wine
connoisseurs and amateurs from all over the world come together to appreciate
Burgundy’s finest varieties. Under the charming wine town of Beaune lies
Burgundy’s largest network of ancient wine cellars that stretch across several
kilometres and is stocked with millions of bottles of French wines patiently
aging. It is the perfect (albeit a little spooky) setting for a cave tasting
session.