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Winemaking Around the World.

Once upon a time, there was an ancient and enchanting tale of winemaking. This saga began thousands of years ago when the first civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks, turned to grapevines to produce the incredible nectar that is wine.

During the time of the Roman Empire, this passion for viticulture spread across the vast expanses of Europe, like an ode to culture and conviviality. The Romans not only expanded the vineyards but also developed winemaking techniques that would become fundamental to the art of wine production.

In the Middle Ages, while Europe was plunged into darkness, Christian monks became the guardians of the vine. In monasteries, they cultivated the vine with devotion, raising the quality of wine while preserving ancient traditions.

Centuries passed, and with them, new lands were explored for viticulture. Each region brought its own magic to the world of wine, from the elegant wines of France to the robust reds of Italy, from the exotic grape varieties of South America to the modern creations of the New World.

Today, viticulture has become a true global adventure. Vineyards flourish in many corners of the world, each offering its own terroir, unique grape varieties, and distinct traditions. The history of viticulture is a captivating epic, a journey through time that bears witness to humanity's timeless passion for wine and how this drive has shaped cultures and societies around the world.

French Winemaking

More than two millennia ago, in the lands that are would later become France, an extraordinary transformation took place. The Romans, with their love for culture and expertise, introduced grapevines to this region around the 6th century BCE. They recognized the potential of these fertile soils and began cultivating them. This marked the beginning of the great French wine adventure.

Over the centuries, viticulture spread further, driven by monks and their monasteries, who perfected winemaking techniques. They created many now iconic vineyards, such as the prestigious parcels in Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Then came the Renaissance, a period of artistic and intellectual flourishing. It was also a time when French viticulture experienced extraordinary growth. Vineyards multiplied, and the French perfected their winemaking techniques, producing wines that would soon be recognized worldwide.

In the early 20th century, France introduced the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, a true revolution in the world of wine. This regulated and protected the quality and authenticity of French wines, creating a model that many other countries would soon follow.

Today, France takes pride in its viticultural heritage. Its diverse wine regions, unique grape varieties, and centuries-old traditions continue to highlight French wine on the world stage. It's a story of passion, craftsmanship, and terroir that endures, making France one of the greatest players in the global wine industry.

French Wine Regions

- Alsace: Located in the East of France, it boasts a vineyard with ancient history and an annual production of about 1.2 million hectoliters of white wines, including Riesling, thanks to its climate and varied soil. One-quarter of its production is destined for export.

- Corsica: A wine history of over 2,600 years, marked by the Greeks, Romans, phylloxera, world wars... Corsica is experiencing a revival with the creation of the "Vin de Corse" appellation in 1976, despite its modest output accounting for 1% of French production.

- Burgundy: The Burgundy vineyard, rich in history and diversity, covers 30,000 hectares of vineyards, over 600 different climates, about a hundred appellations of origin, clay-limestone soils, and an annual production of 1.5 million liters of wine.

- Bordeaux: The Bordeaux region is one of the biggest French vineyards, with 120,000 hectares of vineyards producing up to 6 million hectoliters per year, offering an incredible variety of grape varieties and appellations, and featuring world-renowned wines.

- Jura: The Jura vineyard, one of the smallest in France with 2,000 hectares of vineyards. It offers a variety of grape varieties growing on clay-limestone soil and is one of the oldest in the country, with appellations such as Arbois, Côtes-du-Jura, Crémant-du-Jura, and Château-Chalon.

- Rhône Valley: One of the largest vineyards in France, covering 30,000 hectares and producing 1.53 million hectoliters of wine, has a viticultural history dating back to the 5th century BC and a variety of appellations, such as Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Châteauneuf-du-Pape...

- Loire Valley: The Loire Valley encompasses several vineyards. In total, it represents 70,000 hectares of varied soils and more than 52 appellations, with a viticultural history dating back 2,000 years and an annual production of 4 million hectoliters of wine.

- Provence: The Provence vineyard, spread across three departments with a Mediterranean climate, covers 26,000 hectares, primarily dedicated to rosé wine production, with four appellations and an annual production of about 175 million bottles.

- Beaujolais: This vineyard, located east of the Massif Central, spans 20,000 hectares, mainly producing Gamay for red wine, with famous appellations such as Brouilly, Fleurie, and Morgon, and is associated with the celebrated Beaujolais Nouveau every November.

Wines of the World

- Italy: The world's leading producer and exporter of wine, Italy boasts a rich wine heritage with over 350 grape varieties and a strong production, especially in regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto. Italy also has 30,000 hectares of certified organic vineyards.

- The United States: California is the primary wine producer in the United States, accounting for 90% of the national production, particularly thanks to the Napa Valley, and the country ranks fourth in the world in terms of wine production, with around 500,000 hectares of vineyards.

- Switzerland: Switzerland has an ancient wine tradition with over 240 grape varieties, but its production is relatively modest, producing less than one million hectoliters of wine per year, mainly consumed locally.

- Spain: With a wine history of over 3,000 years, influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, and more, the country is committed to quality, and Spanish wines compete with the best in the world, following the creation of the DOC in 1970.

- Austria: The country has a rich wine tradition dating back to Roman times, with a vineyard of over 58,000 hectares spread across four regions, primarily producing high-quality white wines, especially from the emblematic Grüner Veltliner grape variety.

- Germany: With a wine history influenced by the Christian Church, Germany has a vineyard of 102,000 hectares spread across 13 regions, with an annual production limited to 9 million hectoliters due to its cool climate.

Browse our unique selection, which includes some of the best French and foreign wines available. From Burgundy, or course, but also Bordeaux, the Jura region, or the Rhône Valley. Pleasure Wine will share with you the very best bottles around. Here, in our catalog, some big names such as Lalou Bize-Leroy, the Romanée-Conti, Cécile Tremblay, Robert Groffier, Yvon Métras, Château Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild, Coche-Dury...

And, if you like to discover some confidential gems, Pleasure Wine has a nice selection of some less known producers, like Anne Boisson, Pierre Girardin, the Domaine de Villaine, Athénaïs de Béru, Kenjiro Kagami, the Maison Trimbach, Arietta... Whether you enjoy red wine, white wine, or if maybe you prefer rosé wine, you can be sure to find what you're looking for here!

Since 2011, Pleasure Wine is the specialist in fine wines, premium spirits, and rare and aged Chartreuse. Discover our selection of luxury bottles. We deliver internationally, quickly and securely (certified UPS packaging).