Where does French wine come from?

The origins of wine in France date back to antiquity. Vine-growing and wine production have a long history in what is now modern-day France. The first traces of viticulture in France date back to the time of the Greeks and Romans.

In ancient times, wine production was quite different from that of today, although certain basic principles have endured.

Vine cultivation : 

Vines were grown in vineyards, usually on sunny hills or well-exposed slopes. The vineyards were tended by winemakers who pruned the vines, weeded and protected them from disease.

Harvesting: 

The grapes were harvested by hand, usually in the autumn, when the grapes had reached maturity. The grapes were carefully picked and sorted to ensure their quality.

Pressing : 

After harvesting, the grapes were pressed to extract their juice. At the time, this was often done by trampling the grapes into large vats or using rudimentary presses to extract the juice.

Fermentation: 

The grape juice, known as must, was placed in earthenware, wooden or animal skin containers, usually amphorae. The yeasts naturally present on the grape skins triggered fermentation, a process during which the sugars present in the must were transformed into alcohol.

Storage: 

After fermentation, the wine was generally kept in amphorae or wooden barrels for a certain period of time. This allowed the wine to stabilise, develop aromas and mature.

Transport: 

Wine was often transported in amphorae or barrels over long distances, mainly by sea, to be sold or traded in other regions.

It is important to note that winemaking techniques at this time were less sophisticated than they are today. Knowledge of fermentation, preservation and process control was limited. Wines could vary considerably in terms of quality and stability.

Today, wine production has evolved with the use of more advanced techniques, modern technologies, strict quality controls and a greater scientific understanding of the winemaking process. However, the fundamental principles of vine cultivation, grape harvesting and must fermentation remain the same.

The Greeks introduced vine-growing to France around the 6th century BC, particularly in southern regions such as Provence and the Mediterranean. The Greek colonies developed vineyards and brought with them their knowledge and winemaking techniques.

Subsequently, the Romans extended vine cultivation throughout Gaul, the territory that became France. They developed viticulture considerably and introduced new cultivation and winemaking techniques. The Romans also created trade routes for the wine trade, which contributed to the spread of wine-growing throughout France.

Over the centuries, viticulture and wine production in France have developed and evolved. Different regions have emerged as terroirs renowned for the quality of their wines, such as Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, the Loire Valley and many others. Each region has developed its own grape varieties, growing and winemaking techniques, and winemaking traditions.

Today, France is world-renowned as one of the world's leading wine producers, renowned for the diversity and quality of its wines. French wines enjoy an international reputation and are appreciated by wine lovers and connoisseurs the world over.