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France
The earliest history of French wine goes back to the 6th century BC, and many of France's regions count their wine-making history to Roman times. France is the original source of many grape varieties (such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah), winemaking practices, and critically acclaimed wine regions (such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne). French wine plays an important role in French identity and pride. The combination of French wine and the equally influential French gastronomy has been an important one.
Two central concepts to high-quality French wines are the notion of terroir and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. Terroir refers to the unique combination of natural factors associated with any particular vineyard. These factors include such things as soil, underlying rock, altitude, slope of hill or terrain, orientation toward the sun, and microclimate (typical rain, winds, humidity, temperature variations, etc.). Even in the same area, no two vineyards have exactly the same terroir, thus being the base of the Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) system that has been model for appellation and wine laws across the globe.
In many respects, French wines have more of a regional than a national identity, as evidenced by different grape varieties, production methods and different classification systems in the various regions. Most varieties of grape are associated with a certain region, such as Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and Syrah in Rhône, although there are some varieties that are found in two or more regions, such as Chardonnay in Bourgogne (including Chablis) and Champagne, and Sauvignon Blanc in Loire and Bordeaux. Quality levels and prices vary enormously, and some wines are made for immediate consumption while other are meant for long-time cellaring, as French production ranges from cheap and simple table wines to some of the world's most famous and expensive wines.
 Bordeaux France
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 French Burgundy Wines
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 Madiran France
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 Rhone France
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MSRP: $100.00
Your Price: $74.90
You Save: $25.10 (25 %)
Very attractive aromas of ripe fruit, licorice and minerals. Full-bodied, with good, chewy tannins and a long, licorice and berry aftertaste. Very well done. A new wine from Château Bonnet. Wine Spectator rating 90.
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MSRP: $80.00
Your Price: $59.90
You Save: $20.10 (25 %)
Very attractive aromas of ripe fruit, licorice and minerals. Full-bodied, with good, chewy tannins and a long, licorice and berry aftertaste. Very well done. A new wine from Château Bonnet. Wine Spectator rating 90.
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MSRP: $1,200.00
Your Price: $849.90
You Save: $350.10 (29 %)
Dark purple black in color. Complex aromas of mineral, licorice, lead pencil and blackberry follow through to a full body, with ultrafine tannins and a caressing, pretty finish. Has a lovely texture. Shows elegance and refinement. Wine Spectator 95.
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MSRP: $40.00
Your Price: $26.90
You Save: $13.10 (33 %)
The 2006 is lighter on its feet than the 2005, more immediately read more...attractive, but not without the weight to accompany hearty meat-based dishes. WE Top 100 #24 rating 93/100.
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MSRP: $40.00
Your Price: $28.90
You Save: $11.10 (28 %)
A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2007 Vacqueyras Le Clos was brought up in cement tanks. It exhibits gorgeous notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and smoked herbs, a full-bodied, fleshy mouthfeel, pure fruit, sweet tannin, and a long finish."
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MSRP: $200.00
Your Price: $149.90
You Save: $50.10 (25 %)
Thick and liqueur-like, good strong sweetness and a solid streak of acidity that brings a brightness, a vivacity to the wine; orange peels and honeysuckle on the nose, pineapple and tropical fruits; flavors of tangerine and Gran Marnier!
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MSRP: $18.00
Your Price: $13.90
You Save: $4.10 (23 %)
Sparkling wine from France's Loire Valley. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Grenache and Syrah produced in the champagne method for a refreshing wine that's just dry enough to be ideal with your favorite hors d'oeuvres.
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MSRP: $50.00
Your Price: $39.90
You Save: $10.10 (20 %)
D66 is the inaugural release from our new winery and vineyards in Maury, France. The small town of Maury is in the outer Roussillon very close to the Spanish border and nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
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MSRP: $30.00
Your Price: $21.90
You Save: $8.10 (27 %)
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Blend From Chablis Sparkling Wine using Champagne Method. Wine Spectator 90 points
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