You know more about French wine than you think

Most of you probably know something about wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes. These are the most popular wine grapes consumed in the Unitied States. If you are like me, you've perhaps concentrated your buying of wine to what is most familiar to you - wines from California and perhaps Oregon or Washington.

It is interesting to note that Wines produced in the US usually list the type of grape used to make the wine. Wines produced in France (and also Italy and Spain) often do not. Wines in France are labeled according to the wine Region in which they are grown.

It pays to know a few facts regarding these regional wines from France. This can open up a whole new section of the wine aisle or restaurant wine list to you!

• Red Burgundy from France is made from Pinot Noir grapes.
• White Burgundy from France is made from Chardonnay grapes.
• Chablis wine (from the Chablis region of France, not box wine produced in the US), is made from Chardonnay grapes.
• Chardonnay is one of the main grapes used in real Champagne (sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France).
• Red Bordeaux wine from France is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, however it is almost always blended with other grapes such as Cabernet Franc, and/or Merlot.
• White Bordeaux wine from France is made from Sauvingnon Blanc grapes.

So, if you like Pinot Noir you are likely to like red wines from the Burgundy Region of France.

It is important to note that there are differences in wine making styles between the old world (e.g. France, Italy, Spain), and the new world (US, New Zealand, Australia, South America). For example Chardonnay wines in France are not typically as oaky tasting as those made in California. This was actually wonderful news to me because I have not been a big fan of Chardonnay lately due to the oaky taste that I don't particularly care for. I'll be trying some White Burgundy wines very soon!