Sarah on September 13, 2013 1 Comment Grape harvest is the busiest time at a winery. In the northern hemisphere, harvest occurs in the months of August through October. In France, these months are busy as vintners select the best grape varieties for fermentation. French black grapes are the basis for the most well-known and loved French wines. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most popular French grape varieties. Pinot Noir A trip in history to a time before the Roman invasion of the Gauls reveals Pinot Noir as one of the grape varieties growing blissfully in Burgundy. This grape variety grows in Alsace Germany, the coldest regions of Spain and in Oregon on the Pacific Coast of the United States. Pinot Noir is one of the most temperamental of all the grapes. This early ripener is sensitive to both frost and disease. In northern regions, Pinot Noir’s short growing season is beneficial. Burgundy and areas with a similar climate offer the ideal region for this grape to grow. France produces more Pinot Noir than any other country, and it is the only red variety from Burgundy. The grape produces a diverse range of flavors. Although it is less intense in color than some varieties, Pinot Noir produces a long-lasting finish along with delicate aromas, including cherry, leather and underbrush. The grape is light in tannins but produces a silky texture that makes it a pleasure to drink. This grape is highly sought after by winemakers around the world. Pinot Noir is a one of the most popular types of wine. Champagne makers blend Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier to create top sparkling wines. The uncolored juice of the grape is used in producing still Rose wines and Vin Gris whites. It produces an excellent table wine. Merlot Merlot, considered second rate until the 19th century, is a top-rated variety. There are 190,000 hectares of Merlot in the world. France produces over half of the Merlot grapes worldwide. The grape adapts to a diverse range of climates and growing conditions. It grows best in Pomeral. Merlot grapes ripen early, making them well-suited for the Bordeaux region as well as the cool soils of Libourne. Merlot offers many fine points to wine enthusiasts. It creates a deep red color along with an array of aromas. The light spiced scents of plums and fruit balance with delicate velvety tannins. Merlot is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in a beautiful complement of flavors. It is a grape that continues to provide a promising future for wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is also known worldwide. The primary location for production of this grape is Medoc. Cabernet Sauvignon provides an aroma of green peppers that blends well with Merlot. Since Cabernet Sauvignon is high in tannins, winemakers know to balance the tannins by mixing them with other grapes. The nuances of Cabernet Sauvignon include cedar, black currant, spices, leather and black fruit. This grape is blended with other grapes from the Bordeaux region. In Languedoc, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are fermented on the pulp to produce a wine that is best while still young. Cabernet Sauvignon is a late ripening variety. While Cabernet Sauvignon is resilient, the grape requires a warm climate. At least 170,000 hectares worldwide are planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, from Moldavia to South Africa. This late-ripening variety is resilient, but it requires a warm climate to reach optimum ripeness. In France, it is not produced farther north than Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes also grow in the Napa Valley in the United States and Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon mutates to form new grape varieties. In Australia, one popular mutation is the bronze grape. This grape is patented under the name Malian. French Grape Varieties For centuries now, French grape varieties have produced some of the finest wines. The flavor, color and aroma of each wine depend on the grapes blended for fermentation. Wine masters consider variety as an essential component for each blend created. Recommended Reading: 5 Famous Wineries Around the World Fine Spanish Wines: Types, Storage & Serving Tips Surprising Facts About the History of German Wine 4 Dirty Little Secrets About Regional Wines
