J. Vidal-Fleury Muscat De Beaumes-De-Venise 2008 750ml

Winery: J. Vidal-fleury

Varietal: Muscat

Muscat varietal grapes are surely one of the most versatile wine grapes in the world. In dozens of countries across Europe and the New World, they are used for the production of everything from fine, fruity dry wines, to elegant sparkling examples and even dense, aromatic fortified wines of exceptional character and flavor It is a favorite with winemakers and vintners worldwide as a result of its hardiness and the high yields the vines routinely produce, and grows in a wide range of terroirs and climatic conditions. Such conditions have a considerable effect on the grapes themselves, which is part of the reason why Muscat wines are so varied when it comes to flavor, aroma and characteristics. Generally, Muscat wines are recognizable as a result of their strong, fresh and distinctly 'grapey' flavor, making them popular with those looking for a simple yet elegant wine easily paired with many different foods.

Region: Rhone Valley

In southern France, one of the primary wine regions responsible for the production of a fine and varied range of wines is the Rhone Valley. Split into two large sub-regions, this expansive valley benefits from micro-climates which allow the wineries to grow a vast array of fine grape varietals. The northern region is the more limited one in regards to the amount of varietals grown, focusing predominantly on raising excellent quality Syrah, Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier vines for their distinctive and elegant range of wines. The southern region, on the other hand, has a beautifully Mediterranean climate, and is home to dozens of grape varietals which are used to produce white, red and rosé wines, alongside some of the most famous and widely loved blended wines in the world.

Country: France

Year in, year out, France enjoys its prestigious reputation as the producer of the finest wines in the world. With a wine making history which spans several thousand years and owes its expertise to the Romans, it comes as little surprise that this most highly esteemed of the Old World wine countries continues to impress and enchant both novices and experts to this day. Despite the rise in quality of wines from neighboring European countries, not to mention the New World, the French wine industry continues to boom, with up to eight billion bottles being produced in recent years. However, France prides itself on always putting quality before quantity, and the wide range in fine produce is a testament to the dedication and knowledge of the wineries across the country. Indeed, from rich and complex reds to light and aromatic white wines, French wines are as varied and interesting as they are enjoyable to drink, making this country a firm favorite for wine lovers across the globe.