Day 2659 (Wednesday) 18th September 2024

This is Cap d’Ail

 

and this is Cap d’Antibes.

 

It was overcast again today, it stayed that way all day and Olivia came over to cut our hair.

Yet more French drinks – it’s all wine today…

69 French Drinks You Should Try: Spirits/Cocktails/Wine/Beer/No-Alcohol

3.1.2.) White French Wine

White French wines range from the minerally and crisp Chablis, made from Chardonnay, to the aromatic and complex whites of Alsace, including Riesling and Gewurztraminer. The Loire Valley is known for its refreshing Sauvignon Blancs, and regions like Jurançon and Savoy produce unique varietals that reflect their diverse landscapes.

38. Chablis

Minerally Chardonnay from Burgundy.

Chablis, a region in Burgundy, produces Chardonnay wines known for their purity, crisp acidity, and distinct minerality. These wines, often unoaked, are celebrated for their ability to express the unique limestone-rich terroir of the area.

39. Sancerre

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Sancerre, from the Loire Valley, is synonymous with high-quality Sauvignon Blanc, offering wines with crisp acidity, and vibrant citrus and herbal flavours. These wines epitomise the elegant, terroir-driven character of Loire whites.

40. Loire Valley Wines

Diverse Loire Valley whites.

The Loire Valley produces a wide array of white wines, with Vouvray’s Chenin Blanc showcasing versatility from dry to sweet, all marked by lively acidity and complex flavour profiles, reflecting the region’s varied terroir.

41. Alsace Wines

Aromatic whites from Alsace.

Alsace is renowned for its aromatic white wines, like Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which are characterised by their floral aromas, spice notes, and balanced acidity, often with a hint of sweetness, mirroring the region’s unique Franco-German heritage.

42. Jurançon

Rich, complex whites from Jurançon.

Jurançon, in Southwest France, is noted for its white wines made primarily from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, offering a range from dry to lusciously sweet, all with vibrant acidity and exotic fruit flavours.

43. Savoy Wines

Alpine whites from Savoy.

Savoy wines, produced in the French Alps, are known for their crisp, light-bodied whites, made from grapes like Jacquère and Altesse. These wines reflect the alpine terroir with their fresh acidity and mineral notes.

44. Languedoc-Roussillon Wines

Diverse whites from Languedoc-Roussillon.

The Languedoc-Roussillon region offers a wide variety of white wines, from fresh and floral to rich and complex, utilising grapes like Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Picpoul, showcasing the region’s diverse climates and soils.

3.1.3.) Rosé French Wine

Rosé de Provence epitomises French rosé, celebrated for its delicate colour, dry palate, and subtle flavours. These wines capture the essence of Provencal lifestyle, combining tradition and versatility to suit a variety of culinary pairings.

45. Rosé de Provence

Iconic dry French rosé.

Rosé de Provence is famed for its pale salmon hue, dry taste, and delicate aromas of red berries, citrus, and florals. These rosés are the embodiment of Provencal winemaking, perfect for sipping on a warm, sunny day.

3.1.4.) Sparkling French Wine

Champagne, the most prestigious sparkling wine, is produced through a meticulous secondary fermentation process, yielding wines with fine bubbles, complexity, and elegance. This region’s strict production laws ensure Champagne remains a symbol of luxury and celebration.

46. Champagne

Prestigious French sparkling wine.

Champagne, exclusive to its namesake region, is synonymous with luxury and celebration. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, these sparkling wines are lauded for their fine bubbles, complex flavour profiles, and remarkable aging potential.

3.1.5.) Other French Wine

Muscadet and Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, from the Loire Valley, are known for their crisp, light-bodied wines, often enjoyed with seafood. These wines, made from Melon de Bourgogne and Folle Blanche respectively, are valued for their freshness and mineral undertones.

47. Muscadet

Crisp Melon de Bourgogne wine.

Muscadet, from the western Loire Valley, is made from Melon de Bourgogne and is often aged “sur lie” for added complexity. This process yields a wine that is light, crisp, and minerally, making it an ideal match for oysters and seafood.

48. Gros Plant du Pays Nantais

Tart, refreshing Loire wine.

Gros Plant du Pays Nantais, often overshadowed by Muscadet, offers a tart and refreshing wine experience. Made from Folle Blanche, this wine is noted for its sharp acidity and clean, crisp finish, perfect for cleansing the palate.

3.1.6.) Fortified Wine

49. Noilly Prat

Herb-infused vermouth.

Noilly Prat, a renowned vermouth from Marseillan in the South of France, is crafted by fortifying white wine with spirits and infusing it with a precise selection of herbs and spices, including chamomile, bitter orange, and coriander. This vermouth undergoes a unique aging process outdoors in oak casks, developing its notable dry taste and pale golden hue. Esteemed in mixology, particularly for enhancing Martini and Negroni cocktails, Noilly Prat’s intricate flavour profile and storied history contribute to its global acclaim.

50. Pineau des Charentes

Grape must and Cognac.

Pineau des Charentes, originating from the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments, is a fortified wine created by blending freshly pressed grape must with aged Cognac. The mixture is then aged in oak barrels, allowing the flavours to meld and mature, resulting in a luscious wine that ranges from pale gold to deep amber. Its taste is a harmonious blend of the grape’s natural sweetness with the complexity and depth of Cognac, featuring notes of dried fruits, honey, and a hint of oak. Pineau des Charentes holds a cherished place in French gastronomy, often served chilled as an aperitif or with dessert.

51. Floc de Gascogne

Armagnac-enhanced grape juice.

Floc de Gascogne, a specialty of the Gascony region, is made by combining unfermented grape juice with young Armagnac. The word ‘floc’ derives from the Occitan language, meaning ‘bouquet of flowers’, which aptly describes the drink’s floral and fruity character. This concoction is then aged briefly in oak barrels, achieving a delicate balance between the sweetness of the grapes and the spicy, nuanced character of Armagnac. Its appearance ranges from pale yellow to rosy pink, depending on the grape varieties used. As a traditional aperitif, Floc de Gascogne enjoys popularity for its authenticity and reflection of Gascon winemaking traditions.