The second birth, or rather, the resurrection of wines, occurred simultaneously with the birth of Christianity. Therefore, the cultivation of grapes and the production of this drink throughout the world was completely transferred to the hands of the servants of God - the monks. In addition, the wine received the status of a liturgical drink. The peak of the glory of all kinds of wines in Europe came in the 15th-12th centuries, when wine was considered to be practically the only drink that could quench your thirst.
The decline in the popularity of the "drink of the gods" was due to the appearance of such drinks as: coffee, tea, cocoa. Practically at the same time, beer appeared, significantly pushing wine among alcoholic beverages. This period came at the end of the XII century, then the tradition of winemaking was on the verge of complete destruction. At the same time, the vessels for wine storage underwent a change: clay jugs and wooden barrels were replaced with glass bottles with wooden stoppers. As it turned out, this innovation was not only cheaper and stronger, but also preserved the taste and bouquet of various wines.
Today, wine does not take such a leading position among alcoholic beverages and is considered more of a "lady's" drink. Although many representatives of the stronger sex also will not refuse to treat themselves with a glass of fragrant wine as an aperitif.
French wine has gained worldwide popularity. A fragrant world, French wines do not leave connoisseurs of this drink indifferent. The mastery of winemakers of this romantic country is passed on from generation to generation, and many recipes are kept in the strictest secrecy. Grapes grown in France are considered the most qualitative and tasty. All French wines are classified according to their territorial location: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Loire, Beaujolais, Savoy, Provence, Champagne, Rhone and other provinces - produce their own unique wines.
The most popular, of course, is the wine of the province of Bordeaux. This is partly because it is the largest area of vineyard cultivation, and because it is here that the most prestigious and elite wines are produced. Two thirds of all Bordeaux wines are red, and all of them are made from different grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Fran, etc. The red wines of Bordeaux have a soft taste and a rich fruit bouquet that slowly opens with each sip. White wines of Bordeaux, most of which are very inexpensive, perfectly refreshing and give a light herbal flavor of white grape varieties.
On the second place after Bordeaux, you can put the wine of the Rhone Valley. Red wines, produced here mainly from the variety of Syrah, have an unusually strong and versatile taste, among them there are many strong varieties of wines. Recently, one of the marketing companies identified the wine "Côte du Rhône", as the main red wine of France. White wines are also produced in this area, but in comparison with the red, their share is negligible.
But Burgundy is equally famous for both red and white French wines. Virtually all varieties of white wines are fermented in barrels and have a characteristic oak flavor and aroma. The price range of these wines is very large, ranging from 10 dollars and reaching several hundred dollars per bottle. Red Burgundy wines are very diverse, among them you can find and light with a delicate fruit bouquet, and strong with the scent of the forest.
Being part of Burgundy, the province of Beaujolais produces wines from the Gamé grapes. The unique properties of the Gama variety allow these wines to be simple, light, and yet have a deep taste and rich flavor. Beaujolais wines are quite inexpensive and belong to the category of medium wines.
Wines produced in Alsace often bear the same name with the grade of grapes from which they are made. Many of these wines are fragrant, made from rare varieties of grapes, and retain a rich fruity taste and delicate playful character.
Quite famous are the wines of the Loire Valley, made from nutmeg grape, among them: "Melon", "Muscadet", "Vouvray". These wines are sold at an undeservedly low price, because they have a gentle captivating taste and unique aroma.
The oldest vineyard in France is Provence, it is famous for its pink wines. Many of these wines are light, tender, reminiscent of a young girl, still unrevealed bud. The delicate taste of this drink can only be felt by true connoisseurs. Also here produce red and white wines.
In the south of France is located Languedoc-Roussillon, here in large volumes are produced so-called "rural" wines, distinguished by low cost. But, despite the cheapness, these wines convey the spirit and traditions of France. Most of the wines produced here are dry.
The world-famous Champagne is famous for its sparkling wines. These wines are multifaceted and endlessly beautiful, in them as if all shades of colors and aromas are collected. A fragrant world, delicate, gentle, but at the same time persistent taste - it is the taste of a holiday and fun.
Despite the fact that recently French wines have to contend with the increasing competition of wines from Bulgaria, Australia and Italy, these wines remain the world standard for the production of a drink of the gods. Sparkling, fragrant, shimmering with strange shades in wine glasses and glasses, French wine, a world of wine from France, stirring the most secret feelings inside of us, is unlikely to be completely forgotten.