W3 Wine School

Wines Named by Region

Some wines are named after the region where they are produced, other wines are named after the grape used to make them.

Regional names emphasize place and tradition. Grape names focus on the specific flavor and characteristics of the grape.

Champagne

Champagne (France)

Champagne is a wine region east of Paris.

Champagne is the most exclusive sparkling wine in the world, closely associated with victory, luxury and celebration.

The main grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Typical flavors are Citrus, Yellow Fruit and Toast.

Lemon Grapefruit Apple Toast

Chablis

Chablis (France)

Chablis is a town in Bourgogne (Burgundy).

Chablis is a light and dry French white wine.

The grape used is Chardonnay.

Typical flavors are Citrus, Green Fruit, and flinty Minerals.

Lemon Lime Apple Flint

Sancerre

Sancerre (France)

Sancerre is a town by the French river Loire.

Sancerre is a dry wine known for high fruit and green herbal aromas.

The grape used is Sauvignon Blanc.

Typical flavors are Citrus, Green Fruit, Gooseberry, Herbs and Grass.

Grapefruit Peach Gooseberry Herbs

Burgundy White

Burgundy White (France)

Bourgogne is a French wine region.

Bourgogne Blanc (Burgundy White) is a dry white wine.

The grape used is Chardonnay.

Chardonnay can be vinified oaked and full body, or light like a Chablis.

Typical flavors are Citrus, Green Fruit, Peach, Bread and Butter.

Citrus Apple Peach Croissant

Burgundy Red

Burgundy Red (France)

Bourgogne is a French wine region.

Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy Red) is a dry and light red wine with low tannins and good acidity.

The grape used is Pinot Noir.

Typical flavors are Red Fruit. Vanilla and Smoke (if oaked).

Strawberry Red Cherry Raspberry Vanilla

Beaujolais

Beaujolais (France)

Beaujolais is a French wine region.

Beaujolais is a light bodied French wine.

The grape used is Gamay.

Beaujolais has fresh flavors of Red Fruit and low tannins.

Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Red Plum

Bordeaux

Bordeaux (France)

Bordeaux is a French wine region.

Bordeaux is a red wine typically full bodied with high acidity and tannins.

The primary grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Typical flavors are Black Fruit (Black Currant, Blackberry, Plum), Violets and Pepper.

Black Currant Blackberry Plum Violets

Côtes du Rhône North

Côtes du Rhône North (France)

Côtes du Rhône North is a French wine region.

Côtes du Rhône North wines are typically full bodied with medium tannins and acidity.

The primary grape used is Syrah.

Typical flavors are Blueberry, Blackberry, Violets, Licorice, Pepper and French Oak.

Blueberry Blackberry Violets Licoriche

Côtes du Rhône South

Côtes du Rhône South (France)

Côtes du Rhône South is a French wine region.

Côtes du Rhône South wines are medium to full bodied with medium tannins and acidity.

The primary grapes used are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM).

Typical GSM flavors are Black Fruit (Black Cherry, Plum), Pepper and French Oak.

Cherry Plum Pepper Oak

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Pope's new castle) is a commune in south-east France.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous wines in the world.

The primary grapes used are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.

Typical flavors are Dark Berries, Plum, and earthy Spices.

Blackberry Cherry Plum Spices

Chanti

Chianti (Italy)

Chianti is a city in Toscana in Italy.

Chianti is a medium body wine with medium tannins and good acidity.

The primary grape is Sangiovese.

Typical flavors are Red Fruit (Strawberry, Cherry, Plum), Spices, Dryed Herbs and Oak.

Strawberry Cherry Plum Herbs

Rioja

Rioja

Rioja is a Spanish wine region.

Rioja is a medium to full body red wine with medium tannins and medium acidity.

The primary grape is Tempranillo.

Typical Rioja flavors are Red and Black berries and Vanilla from American Oak.

Cherry Raspberry Blackberry Vanilla

Port

Port (Portugal)

Porto is a city in Portugal

Port is a fortified wine from Porto.

It is sweet and high in alcohol.

The main grape is Touriga Nacional.

Port is typically sweet and full bodied with black fruit flavors.

Berries Cherry Plum Dates


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