Getting Started With French Wine | Wine Folly

Learn more about French wine in this helpful introduction. You'll learn about the 11 major regions and best wines to explore. See the French wine course!: winefolly.com/courses/french-...
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A bit more on French Wine:
Getting into French wine is a bit baffling to the neophyte. Firstly, wines are labeled by region instead of grape variety. And, with over 330 regions (called "appellations") it's hard to know what's what. Fortunately, there's a better way.
Back out of France to the national level and you'll see that the climate changes drastically from North to South. In the South, you'll find a prevalence of bolder, fruitier red wines made with grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
As you move north (to cooler climates) the focus moves more to zesty white wines, sparkling wines and elegant reds. Think Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Champagne! So, next time you see an appellation listed on the bottle, figure out where it sits in the country, and that's a big clue as to the style.
In this video, I select 12 wine appellations from all over the country that I think would give anyone a really good overview of the wonder that is French Wine. If you'd like to know my short list subscribe here → winefolly.com/subscribe/
Until next time, happy tasting!
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[@Winefolly]

Wines available now!! → wfol.ly/advent-cal

[@shawnhapney8784]

You are one damn fine lookin' woman Maddy.

[@mistergustav]

I could have used this for Mother’s Day. I made my wife an intro to French wine passport copying all kinds of info from you’re amazing website and went to my local wine shop to build a case around the passport that covered each region. So I can attest, your case idea is a winner and my gift wouldn’t have been possible without your channel 😀

[@tiredoffools8929]

Madeline, this was a great video and I absolutely love your brief breakdown on French Wine. Would love to see more of this "Getting Started With," for as many countries as you can muster. Your book is already a fantastic resource but it was also nice to actually see you educating us similarly in video form. This entire production is impressive and I really appreciate it. Hats off to you and everyone behind the scenes for making it all happen!

[@saturnmystic]

Working at this French wine bar and I need to memories all the wines by the glass while providing short descriptions I order to sound like I know what I’m talking about when I am selling and this video has helped me a bunch! I feel more confident in my ability to sell some wine thank you so much. ☺️

[@scottdunlap8668]

Per usual, great stuff. Wine Folly is just fantastic.

[@dillipkumar6623]

Thank u for this information ❤❤❤

[@jacksonfl]

Madeline - One of your best videos ever. Very professional. Thanks!

[@djnilsondiaz836]

I FREAKING LOVED THE WAY YOU PRODUCE YOUR VIDEO AND YOUR ATTITUDE

[@jacksonfl]

Madeline, you do such a great job! Smart approach. I'm knowledgeable - and lived in France 30 years ago - but still learned plenty. Thanks for doing this for us.

[@johndayan7126]

Thank you for another amazing video Madeline! Highly informative and entertaining as always.

[@sabrinamobley1978]

12 wines from the best that France has to offer? Count me in!🥂Great video. Looking forward to more.

[@moussashalaby7359]

You’re one of the most informative content creators out there. AWESOME video

[@divinowineclub9166]

Your video is very important because it deals with issues that many experts and critics do not address. what is lacking in oenological culture is often the construction of the concept of what is basic. Whether from the perspective of talking about what the grape is, about the flesh being white and what gives color to the skin. Talk about volume and density of mouth without using difficult words, but try to address everyday situations, the cheap wine of everyday life. Thank you very much wine folly, and to all oenophiles, winemakers and curious people in the world of wine for building all this together with us every day.

[@Winefolly]

To All the oenophiles and winemakers and wine community!

[@elitsai4722]

Love this video! Thank you so much. Going from different regions really clarify the differences of grapes. I learned a lot from you. :)

[@mot5231]

I love listening to your voice ❤😄

[@kevingeeting4011]

Super as usual, Madeline! Don’t forget about the varietal Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris wines from Alsace! And I would argue that the Cab Franc based blends from Bordeaux are pretty good!

[@Gisbertus_Voetius]

Very well structured lesson. I learnt a lot. Thank you.

[@Winefolly]

So glad to hear it!

[@paullopez_ai]

As always, great video!

[@carlcadregari7768]

I’d be up for that case! Great video!

[@lorenzoravotti2745]

high level of competence and great sympathy

[@irinaillera2747]

I can't believe you just posted this video when I'm preparing for my France exam (somm student). And I'm also using the "Wine Folly Master Guide" so is the perfect complement. I love you guys!

[@Winefolly]

Best of luck!

[@numanuma20]

I going to be starting my level 1 course in a about a week. Who are you taking it from? Best of luck.

[@coreymartin-bigpoppa1377]

Great job Madeline ! Would love to see your 12 wine picks

[@thomaslindsay358]

This is great, do Italy next! I know Italy must be about as straightforward as France, but since they generally don't use French grapes it's a whole new vocabulary. And yes to the case.

[@germanswede6446]

Definitely interested in that 12-pack! Will keep my eye out for when that's available

[@hoanpham2757]

Love it, thank you

[@maddys3955]

Such a great video!!! More please and thank you

[@valeriet5581]

Thank you! I just discovered your channel and of course subscribed. We're preparing for an epic food and wine tour of Languedoc-Roussillon next month and this video was very helpful. Moving to Germany this summer and your videos will be very helpful for selecting appellations to visit throughout Europe.

[@johnkuhn6115]

Really like the idea of a case of select wines. Let me know when!

[@Winefolly]

It's available now!!! → wfol.ly/advent-cal (You asked and you shall receive!)

[@shreyashdesai9969]

Video is very helpful

[@sezeraltun92]

Amazing

[@cryptohook9395]

Great info!

[@OpenVino]

Excellent video! It's time to pop some corks. Your videos are the best.

[@girlvsgrape7429]

Great idea!

[@numanuma20]

I just got the Wine Folly magnum book and it is great for preparing for my beginner level certification. I love all the different grapes mentioned in the book that I have never heard of.

[@Winefolly]

Wonderful! Thanks for mentioning it !

[@numanuma20]

Wine Folly Do you recommend using essential oils to creat my own aroma kit.

[@hakangokhan8474]

Yeeessssss I love the case idea! Let’s build a “training cellar “ and taste all the classics👌🏼❤️

[@thembisilewaters7582]

This was awesome and so informative. Thank you. Wish I stumbled across this when doing my WSeT back in 2013

[@deciosilva1971]

Great video Madeline, would love to buy a french wine package to taste what was covered in the video.

[@dennistsiorbas859]

Chablis is my favorite Chardonnay, but though I love Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc), which is more consistent and has more minerality than Cali Sauvignon Blanc, I have found some SBs from Cali more complex, richer, spicier, and pairable, e.g., Cade; this isn't forgetting wonderful wines from New Zealand, SA, or even Chile. Just me musing after your wonderful post. Thank you, and salute!

[@NikiaLemaire]

I will save up to buy that case - many times over!

[@bobbytaj7477]

Very informative thank you

[@Winefolly]

Very welcome

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Very well broken down my friend.

[@leightoncooke]

Good basic introduction 👍

[@thallesvr]

Impressed with the quality of your video. Great Job!!!! You are the best....

[@Winefolly]

Thank you! 😃

[@DrinkinItIn]

Great video with all of the visuals.

[@Winefolly]

Thanks!!! I made them all by myself!

[@willemfaber2874]

Super episodes

[@timothyedwards5810]

Great video!

[@junea2000]

Love the content, i think you can do natural styling in general and be more relaxed like all other videos. But so informative, master!

[@ribbitrocks]

very good and articulate style on your overview here / bravo !! more wine for you !!

[@lilithkeogh60]

You are so sweet and knowledgeable ! Love your channel! 🇺🇸

[@greggae2735]

Great video, bring on the case of wine deal!

[@itsmederek1]

Tavel demolishes Provence rose. Great video!

[@sungjukim7841]

such an excellent explanation~! thanks 😊

[@Winefolly]

You're very welcome!

[@buzzybee333]

Love the book and excited to see this 12 pack of French wines! Let's do it! : )

[@lolbruh326]

Taste our wine🇬🇪 french sucks

[@christinamccreary2120]

Yes, yes please put a selection together

[@aashishtripathi7854]

Superb

[@joshayala9022]

I’m definitely in for the 12 pack

[@dillipkumar6623]

Thank you mam ur nice explanation ❤❤❤

[@Winefolly]

Most welcome 😊

[@KieranGarland]

Just bought the book. Bravo on a great series. Cheers!

[@xxmegababygirlxx]

What were the 12 wines listed ??

[@fuzz3339]

Great video ! I’m always interested in wine since a trip to Italy. Can you do a video about the wine enthusiast’s tool kit. Covering the apparatus like decanters and porron and what they should be used for ??

[@wilsonburgos1]

Love the book, always informative videos. I'd be interested to see a video on red wines of Portugal.

[@Winefolly]

Great suggestion!

[@marcelosantana9311]

New here. But my in-laws are from Portugal, so I love drink a good Portuguese wine. 😋

[@wendylackey4907]

Yes! Me too. I really want to be part of the tastings together

[@arturantaplyan4779]

Hey Madeline. Really enjoy your videos, I do like the 12 wine ideas , please keep me posted Thank you

[@JuliaSantos-ze9xz]

You did a very good job on this video. You were able to give great details; even though, the video’s information is well resumed and short. ❤

[@Winefolly]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinotas]

Great video Madeline !!!1

[@tgsurf5893]

Great video Madeline, a perfect subject that confuses us new world wine drinkers. Being from the states where our labels mostly contain the varietals, it's always difficult to pick out wines from France which best suit our pallets. I find it always hard to select something of decent value which I compare to something I can find in the states at the same price. You can always spend a crazy amount of money for a high-end Bordeaux, but is it really a good value. Picking out the true French value wines that are delicious is what I have been trying to do lately.

[@thomaslindsay358]

It's funny, I started with France because once you know the region you know almost everything about the bottle, whereas California is literally the wild west, and almost indecipherable. The label only tells you the varietal (and actually often 85% of the varietal), so it's hard to know what style is inside the bottle.

[@globalingualtranslations1995]

Excellent video!! Being myself a wine lover, I collect all valuable information 🍷🥂 Thank you very much for such a great explanation of French wines! What about Spanish-ones? 👌

[@danielsargent1774]

I like the 12 pack idea! Would be great to taste along with you and other subscribers, especially in these socially distanced times. Spain 12 pack next!

[@Winefolly]

Heck yes

[@gurgisjones1120]

My go-to wine in the Loire Valley is muscadet / melon de Bourgogne. Might not be the most exotic wine, but it's sure pleasant and drinkable. Chablis in Burgundy/Chablis is another pleasant champion.

[@dftagliari]

Great video! You can make a video about "Vale dos Vinhedos". Is the wine region at the south of Brazil. Here there are a lot of wineries founded by italian people but with french grapes, that have adapted better to our terroir. There are merlot, carbernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, and a lot of others. Much more than the Argentina or Chile ;)

[@miguelgallardo4504]

Love this video! It’s your best yet and I learned something new. I hope you do more videos like this with other wine growing countries. I would definitely buy that case of French wine if you’re the picker!

[@endless_nothing]

Would love to purchase a custom 12 pack! Please keep us posted! 🍷🥂🍾

[@jakejaylee123]

Love love loooooooove this video format! Hopefully you will be able to cover the entire viticultural globe (especially Germany because, let’s be honest, I am utterly discombobulated about their regions and classifications).

[@Winefolly]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@vrumats]

great information, u r ok!

[@princemamuwalde]

Whooooo..hoooo! My favorite type of wines hands-down.

[@tasmndvl]

Hi Madeline, Please count me in for the French 12 pack. Excellent presentation!!!

[@demonslayer1162]

Provence Rose is literally the best!

[@Emma-LeBonCafe]

Thank you for all this beautiful guidelines tasting (we don’t pronounce the c in blanc you just say blan 🥰)

[@thomasowen781]

I am on my journey for my level 1 cert. I would love to get on a wine list you curate to help me grow my knowledge base! 🙏

[@ispty]

Hi Madeline! Im a big fan. Just recently wanting to make my intro into the wine world. Can you consider making a video on kosher wines?? Also if you can reccomend some kosher wines would be awesome

[@roy44743]

Learning "only" the different appelations or villages in Burgundy make you dizzy. Even winemakers over there can't name them all. Most difficult region hands down.

[@tombissett1753]

What a great job you did on this! I have ~150 bottles, but mainly from California because I always felt overwhelmed by France (and my wife and I have been to old world wineries in Burgundy, Tuscany, etc). This was, by far, the best overview I have come across!

[@DivineTreasures5533]

Nice! Would be definitely interested in the 12 pk!

[@karnoctis1991]

My own selection (best value) of french wines : - Appellation "Saumur-Champigny" from Loire Valley (light, fresh red wines with a small acidity / mineral and juicy white wines) - Appellation "Côtes-de-Provence" from Provence (some incredible rosés / strong body red wines to keep 1 or 2 years in your cellar, especially with Mourvedre / fruity and complex white wines)

[@Winefolly]

good picks!

[@joshualieder7524]

Your fun and educational. Please do Fruscato and Moscsto reviews 🙏 😀.

[@hadlinelinda9844]

This was a great knowledgeable video! Could you please make a video on wines of India?

[@cyrill3000]

It’s so sweet how she pronounces these difficult french names for grapes and regions, but the funniest thing was „Edelzwicker“☺️. She said „a dell swiker“ with an i like in „wine“, but it is actually spoken like the i in „ticket“. Please, don’t be annoyed, it sounds really just sweet. 😉 The information was lovely conveyed and charming. Regarding champagne, I‘d like to add, that there are very lovely tiny vine producers, that create hilarious champagnes, that are much more interesting compared to the huge brands. Watch out for example for „Jacques Selosse lieux dits-Champagne AOC“ It’s such an overwhelming journey of taste, starting from light apple flavours, turning to lemon-pie. brioche, peaches and almonds. You can smell the extraordinary complexity from the start. This champagne has an elegant smooth sparkling and is truly a masterpiece. Additionally this champagne is produced in a bio dynamic way with no herbicides, they work hard for it and take the effort to merely protect their grapes with natural protection and give the nature all things back, what they take from it, without cheating. It’s not easy to get this wonderful delight. With their approach, they can not produce in such large amounts as the big brands do. Actually that’s what I even appreciate, about it. It’s not a luxurious mass production, it’s what champagne should be. A delightful pleasure for a very particular occasion. For example a wedding anniversary with the only person, who makes your heart beat faster with every single smile. You can serve it with light starters, light petit fours but this champagne is accompanied best with kisses. 😉)

[@xxmegababygirlxx]

Can you list the 12 wines so we can try them?? Please and thank you!

[@numanuma20]

I really enjoyed this video,; I felt like I was in a fun class about french wine. I read about petite Syrah in the book and it says it’s mainly grown in the USA. Is that a type of French grape? I really like the idea of the case of French wines. If you could try to get them to be mini bottles, I’d appreciate it that. I’m taking the WSET level 1 certification and would really be tasting them than drinking them.

[@henrikofficialproduction4289]

Speaking of the rhone Valley, Chateauneauf du Pape. 👌

[@speckracing7165]

Try a Burgundy Gamay, like the amazing Guillot-Broux. Recently tried a Gamay of 1992! Amazing.

[@binodbahadurchand3979]

All of your videos are really informative ma'am I possible could you make more vedio wine producing reason 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@domingomarchiguajardo9588]

When are u getting a start with Chilean Wines??!!!! Specially about Carmenére...

[@bertmalo]

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on Beaujolais Nouveau. Next year? Merci!

[@wendylackey4907]

Can we add this one to the set?!

[@debybrooke157]

Interested in the twelve pack! Let me know when it's happening.

[@donplummer8936]

Chinon Cab Franc! Wonderful.

[@ElementsMMA]

Great to hear a shout out for Chinon. Wonderful barely does this apellation justice. It simply gets no better than Chinon imo

[@avsusky]

Ily ❤

[@thecinimod]

In educating my palate, I've been trying to sample wines from major regions that I can compare against other regions to understand what all the words in the books really mean in my mouth. I've been after a guided taste-at-home experience. If you made tasting videos (or articles, or even just note cards) for the wines in your case, giving notes and comparing them to each other it would be amazing! That way I get your opinion as a benchmark while I'm drinking the same exact bottle and can really sharpen my own ability for wine analysis.

[@Winefolly]

This is a great bit of advice. In face, we actually offer a course now called Wine Styles Tasting Course: shop.winefolly.com/pages/online-wine-course - I plan to do more with more!

[@user-mz4pb3tp3r]

good

[@ebenezervalvi1009]

I neeeeeeed that map