French wine

[dsreardon]

Good Morning all.

Later this year I am going to be traveling through France on my honeymoon.

Now the one big question that I require some expertise from anyone hat has travelled and drank there was through the frence country side

What? Where? Who? should I put on my list of wines and wineries to drink/visit/return to aus for some careful cellaring?

And does anyone know what the duty is on wine sent home from france, and is there any alternatives to getting around this (duty), ie. sending them home as gifts for family and friends, (of course I will be collecting them back).

Any ideas?

[JDSJDS]

I can't help you with the duties question, but it's hard to go wrong in visiting almost any wine region in France.

What kind of French wine do you enjoy thre most? I'd visit whatever region's wines turns your crank the most. Alsace is a beautiful wine region, and very easy to do tastings. The Rhone is also beautiful and easy to wander around in. I think those are my two favourite regions in France: lovely landscapes, great food (especially Alsace), great wine, and its fairly easy to drop into cellar doors.

Burgundy is more difficult to do tastings, as the vast majority of producers require appointments. The better the producer, the harder it is to get an appointment. Often you'll need to make an appointment via a distributer/importer. The only exception is Chablis, which is a small, quaint village, and more low key. Appointments are also required in Bordeaux and Champagne; in the latter region, it's pretty touristy in the big Champagne houses. The Loire is quite spread out, but there's lots of interesting chateau to see - nice on a honeymoon - and some great wines that are usually great QPR. The scenery isn't quite as nice as some other regions, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

Of course, in any region, if you want more attention and time, then appointments are always useful.

Whatever region you choose, you'll have a blast, and eat some great food! Make sure you try as many regional artisan cheeses as possible - they are incredible, and they usually pair well with the local wines.

A car is needed in all the regions, although you can easily take a train from city to city, and then rent a car right from the train station.

[Daniel Jess]

You name the regions you'll travel through, we'll name the wineries and vineyards!

[Davo]

From my limited experience you will find that the winery/chateau experience great for getting a taste but the wine will be much, and I mean much, cheaper in liquor store (caves) and even cheaper still in the supermarkets.