Classic French Wines Podcast!

Posted by Keith Wallace

Exploring the Wines of France
In this episode, we dive into one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world: France. From the storied hills of Burgundy to the sun-soaked vineyards of the Rhône Valley, we take a closer look at what makes French wine iconic.

“Today’s episode is inspired by my ‘Classic France’ wine class,” explains Keith. “Behind me are some of the wines we’ll be exploring, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart of French winemaking.”

My personal favorite line from he episode:

“They smell like the most expensive old sock you’ve ever had.”

“Cashmere socks?”

Yeah, cashmere socks worn by a homeless man for a few years… Unhoused. Unhoused. Sorry.”

You can check out the episode here.

A Tour de France in a Glass
The wines we’re featuring today include:

  • Chablis: Crisp and elegant, a perfect start to our journey through Burgundy.
  • Southern Rhône White: A hidden gem that proves white wines from this region are not to be missed.
  • Pinot Noir from Côte de Beaune: A quintessential Burgundy red, showcasing the region’s elegance.
  • Cabernet Franc from Saumur: A Loire Valley classic, vibrant and full of character.
  • Gigondas: A Rhône red that punches well above its weight, offering a bold alternative to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
  • Haut-Médoc Bordeaux: A left-bank treasure with structure and finesse.
  • Roussillon Villages: A lesser-known but deeply satisfying red to round out the tasting.

Tips for Buying French Wine
Keith shares his insider tips for buying French wine without breaking the bank:

  1. Wait for Price Drops: Regions like Gigondas occasionally lower prices to move inventory. Snap up these bottles when they’re 30% cheaper than usual.
  2. Prioritize Place: Focus on regions known for high-quality production before considering producers or vintages.
  3. Look for Consistency: Choose producers with a track record of excellence.
  4. Embrace the Satellites: Lesser-known regions often offer incredible value and quality.

The Charm of Organic and Biodynamic Wines
“Biodynamic and organic wines bring a connection to the land that’s hard to replicate,” says Alana. “Producers like Domaine Montirius in the Southern Rhône exemplify this, crafting wines with care and respect for their environment.”

Keith adds, “Biodynamic practices show a level of skill and non-interventionist philosophy that I deeply admire. It’s not a shortcut—it’s a commitment to excellence.”


Keith’s Dream French Wines
What does a wine expert splurge on? Keith shares his picks:

  • For Someone Else’s Budget: La Tâche from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, a unicorn wine steeped in history.
  • For His Own Money: Pétrus, a Bordeaux masterpiece from the Right Bank.
  • Skipping the Hype: While luxury champagnes are alluring, Keith prefers exploring grower champagnes in the $40-$70 range, offering exceptional quality without the elitist price tag.

Wrapping Up with a Cheers
Whether you’re joining us for a public class or an advanced program, there’s always more to learn and discover about French wine.

“We love making wine education fun and accessible,” says Alana. “And we want to hear from you! Have questions, suggestions, or wines you want us to feature? Let us know in the comments.”

Until next time, grab a glass, share a toast, and remember: wine is best enjoyed with good company.

Cheers!

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