The Everyday Guide to Wines of France – Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan

France’s outstanding reputation for fine wines—whether red, white, or sparkling—doesn’t come out of thin air. Rather, it stems from hundreds of years of tradition that have created the gold standard by which all other wines around the world are measured.

The colors, aromas, and tastes of French wines span the spectrum and in many ways have gone on to shape and influence everything we appreciate about fine wine. It is in France where some of the world’s most common grape varieties—such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon—were first grown and harvested. Whether you’re a connoisseur of great wine or simply looking for the best bottle to give as a gift or to pair with dinner, to learn about the wines of France is to understand the origins of wine culture and to expose yourself to a range of tastes and traditions unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Grab a glass and join acclaimed Master of Wine Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan on a fascinating six-lecture tour of the best wines that France has to offer with The Everyday Guide to Wines of France. What makes French wines stand out from their international counterparts? How does the varied landscape of France shape and influence what’s in your wine glass? Why do French wines command such respect from culinary experts and casual drinkers? These intriguing questions and more are answered in a journey packed with interactive wine tastings, food and wine pairing demonstrations, practical tips and suggestions for shopping and gift giving, and more.

Visit French Wine Regions—Right from Home

The Everyday Guide to Wines of France takes you all across the country on a vibrant search for the best of the best when it comes to French wines. From the comfort of your own home and with the help of green screen technology that transports Ms. Simonetti-Bryan around the country, you’ll travel to some of France’s most important wine regions and investigate their unique wine-making traditions.

• The Loire Valley: Called the “Garden of France,” this valley has a climate considered the most pleasant in northern France, which makes it a popular destination for vacationers and wine enthusiasts.
• Burgundy: The region of Burgundy is home to only two major grape varieties—Chardonnay (for white grapes) and Pinot Noir (for red grapes). Burgundy is also known for making some of the best white wines in the world.
• Bordeaux: Bordeaux is home to some of the boldest and richest wines in France. Rooted in formal traditions and history, the wines from this region last for many decades and generally command the highest prices at wine auctions.

Sample the Best Wines France Has to Offer

Throughout each lecture, you’ll have the opportunity to taste alongside Ms. Simonetti-Bryan as she samples great French wines and draws your attention to curious subtleties and differences your palate may not have noticed before. While French wines can be expensive, many of the wines featured in this course are affordable and can easily be found in your nearest wine shop or supermarket.

The Everyday Guide to Wines of France is an engaging chance to unravel the mysteries of some of the world’s greatest wines in the company of a master educator who has trained hundreds of professionals in the wine industry and has been featured on a variety of popular media programs. Most of all, it’s an amazing wine-tasting journey that will leave you with a greater appreciation for French wine—in all of its captivating varieties.