Varietals

Attention fans of Burgundy and the elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: There’s a whole world to discover outside of the golden appellations. Some producers have found other corners of the country with ideal conditions and are making breathtaking wines there.

When tasting wine, what happens to the human body on a chemical and physiological level? Why do some people detect certain aromas, while others perceive something entirely different? How does it all work?

Take advantage of the summer with these easy and convenient alternatives to traditional drink formats. Whether canned wine, boxed wine, pre-mixed cocktails from Quebec or canned cider, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

Chenin Blanc is native to the Loire Valley. Even today, it is ubiquitous in its region of origin, where it produces dry, mellow, syrupy and sparkling whites. Appreciated for its freshness, it has conquered many producing countries, from Canada to South Africa.

Syrah is a French grape variety originating from the northern part of the Rhône valley. Due to its aromatic richness and intensity, its production has spread to the southern coasts of the Rhône as well as to Languedoc, Spain, Australia, the United States, Argentina and Chile, where the cool nights and hot and humid days contribute to its development

Known for producing some of the most coveted white wines in the world, Chardonnay is a grape native to the village of the same name in the Mâconnais sub-region in Burgundy. Internationally renowned, it is the source of the great white wines of Burgundy, but has conquered many wine-producing countries including the United States (California), Australia, Chile and Canada.

Sangiovese owes its fame to the great wines of Tuscany, famous since the Middle Ages. It is widespread throughout the Italian peninsula, and its cherry and spice scents come in several styles depending on where it is grown. It is now found in temperate regions of California where it manages to express all the finesse of its aromas.

Sauvignon is a grape native to the Gironde and the Loire, in France (two regions which claim its origin). It produces very distinctive wines with great freshness where fruity and herbaceous notes intermingle. Besides France, it has adapted wonderfully well to New Zealand, Chile and the United States (California).

Grown in Champagne, Savoy, the Loire Valley and Alsace, Pinot Noir owes its fame to the great wines of Burgundy. The cool regions of California, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina also allow it to thrive. It is the source of delicate wines with complex aromas of red fruits and spices.

Highly appreciated for its great freshness, its thirst-quenching power and aromas of red berries, Gamay is the emblematic Beaujolais grape. It thrives in cool, mountainous climates, especially in France, Switzerland and Canada.

Known worldwide thanks to the great wines of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon grows in most regions where the heat and sunshine allow it. Its intense aromas of black fruits and its powerful structure make it particularly attractive and explain its growing popularity.

Riesling is a white grape whose origin has always been claimed by both the Rhine Valley and the Moselle. Very permeable to its soil, it remains one of the varieties that best transmits the richness of its terroir. Although Germany and Alsace are the standard bearers of the grape variety, there are some very fine vintages in Austria and in some New World countries.