Our first installment of a short and sweet series on the most important wine regions in the world. 

We begin – naturellement – avec la France – the home of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – is arguably the world’s most important wine-producing country. For centuries, it has produced wine in greater quantity – and of reportedly greater quality – than any other nation. Wine is ingrained in French culture at almost every level of society; it is the drink of both the elite and the common people, and a key symbol in Roman Catholicism, France’s majority religion.

Vineyards in Alsace

Alsace is a charming area of northeastern France that lies along the Rhine River, just across from Germany and Switzerland. Wines from Alsace are primarily white and, thanks to the Germanic influence, you’ll find Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris grapes here. Pinot Noir also makes an appearance as well. If you’re in search of a good one to try, Wine Enthusiast has a Top Alsatian White Wines list to start with.

check out our fine wine sets from France here and our Pinot Blanc from Alsace here.