What's Going On in the World of French Wines

Very few grapes have dominated the wine industry like the white grape known as Chardonnay. Almost no other grape seems to have the same name recognition or awareness. Many consider Chardonnay to be the “King” of the grape world, although in recent years there has been a movement afoot to challenge its global domination – you will find some wine lovers who live by the “ABC” code: anything but Chardonnay. Despite issues of over-planting and the fact that there is a lot of inferior Chardonnay out there on the market, Chardonnay remains a grape that we shouldn’t hesitate to put on a pedestal.

One of my first major wine trips as a wine student was to the Alsace region of France.  I went with my friend Christine and we visited producers (and great restaurants) throughout the region.  It was an amazing trip: each vintner spent hours tasting with us through flights and flights of wines.  We toured small picturesque towns and lovely old vineyards.  I can’t imagine a more wonderful trip for a food and wine lover.

Alsace has one of the most interesting histories of all of the different wine regions of France.  Passed back and forth between French and German hands, it has a unique wine style that sets it apart from the rest of French wine.  Not only do you …