Embarking on your French wine journey is exciting - until you hit your first hurdle, French language and the terroir of it all. However, once you have a few key terms under your belt, you’ll be on your way. Allow us to be your linguistic guides, revealing the nuances of French wine vocabulary from appellation to assemblage. Essential French Wine Terminology Terroir: Our journey commences with "terroir," the soul of French wine. This term encompasses the unique blend of soil, climate, and geography inherent to a vineyard. It imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes, shaping the wine's identity. Appellation: When you encounter an "appellation" on a bottle, it signifies a specific wine-producing region in France. Each appellation adheres to stringent regulations, preserving the heritage and winemaking practices unique to its territory - this can be signified with the AOC mark. Cru: "Cru" designates a vineyard or site renowned for producing exceptional grapes. It stands as a badge of honour, symbolising quality and prestige, often found in the revered wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux. Unlocking French Wine Production Techniques Assemblage: This is the art of blending different grape varieties to create a harmonious and balanced wine. The skill of the winemaker shines through in the assemblage, as they select and combine grapes to achieve desired flavors and aromas. Barrique: The term "barrique" refers to small oak barrels used for aging wine. These barrels infuse the wine with subtle oak flavors and contribute to its complexity and texture. Clos: A "clos" is a walled vineyard, typically associated with Burgundy. These enclosed spaces protect the vines from the elements and create a unique microclimate, resulting in wines of exceptional character. Crémant: Crémant is a sparkling wine produced in France using the traditional method, like Champagne. However, it hails from regions outside of Champagne and often offers a more affordable alternative to its renowned counterpart. Blanc de Blancs: Translating to "white from whites," this term signifies a sparkling wine made exclusively from white grape varieties, which in Champagne for example would be Chardonnay. Blanc de Noirs: On the flip side, "blanc de noirs" means "white from blacks," indicating a sparkling wine crafted solely from red grape varieties. To take Champagne again, this would be Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. Côte: "Côte" denotes a hill or slope in French, and in wine regions, it often implies a prime location for vineyards. Wines from these elevated positions are highly prized for their unique characteristics. Embarking on Your French Wine Odyssey With these fundamental terms and techniques in your arsenal, you're ready to embark on a journey that goes beyond wine tasting—it's a voyage into the heart of French culture, heritage, and the rich heritage of winemaking that spans generations. Come across a term you’re not sure about? Get in touch! The team at Mosaique Wines are here to help demystify French wine and ensure you love what’s in your glass. Would you like to learn more about French wine? Read on: Unravelling the Mystery: Decoding French Wine Labels The Art of French Wine and Food Pairing Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines - What the Difference?

The art of French wine pairing is an ever-evolving journey, one that can be as simple or as intricate as you desire. At Mosaique Wines, we believe that a beautifully paired wine match can transform a meal into a culinary masterpiece. We also believe that finding the perfect match can be confusing without a few tips and tricks, so we’ve put together a few guiding points to help. Join us for a journey through the vineyards of France, exploring the art of French wine matching for food. Regionality and Wine in France French wines have long been revered as some of the finest in the world, each bottle a testament to centuries of winemaking tradition. What keeps us returning time after time is the unique wine experience the diverse regions of France offer - each with its own terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. Once you know a little about these regions, food pairing becomes much easier. Burgundy: Known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Burgundy wines are perfect for delicate dishes like coq au vin and escargot. The subtle flavours of these wines complement the intricate flavours of French cuisine. Provence: The pale pink hues of Provencal Rosé wines echo the region's sunny landscapes. Pair them with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as bouillabaisse or ratatouille, for an authentic southern French experience. Bordeaux: Bordeaux reds are often considered the kings of French wine, with a wide range of flavours. They shine when paired with hearty fare like steak frites or roast lamb. Champagne: Nothing says celebration like a glass of Champagne. Its effervescence and crispness are fantastic matches for oysters, caviar, and other seafood delights. The Art of French Wine Pairing Now that you're acquainted with the essence of French wine, let’s try a few wine pairing basics. Each wine possesses distinct characteristics, such as acidity, body, and tannin, that interact with the flavours and textures of your meal, so there are always a few different elements for you to experiment with. Here are some fundamental tips to get you started: Balance is Key: Consider the balance between the wine's acidity and the dish's acidity. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of creamy sauces, while an off-dry Riesling can mellow spicy dishes. Regional Affinities: Consider pairing wines from the same region with local dishes. A classic example is pairing Burgundy Pinot Noir with beef bourguignon, both hailing from the same region. Palate Weight: Match the body of the wine with the weight of the food. A full-bodied wine like a Rhône red stands up to robust dishes, while a Beaujolais suits lighter fare and can often be a versatile pick across a few different dishes. Contrast for Complexity: Sometimes, contrasting flavours can create magic. A sweet wine like a Sauternes or Ratafia pairs beautifully with a salty blue cheese like Roquefort. Above all, have fun! Food and wine pairing is an ever-evolving journey, and one that can be as simple or as intricate as you desire. However, at the end of the day, we believe in having fun with your wine selection and not getting too caught up with ‘the perfect match’! As always, we're here to help you navigate the world of French wine, so please get in touch if you have any questions about food pairing - hello@mosaiquewines.com.au. Keen to learn more? We've put together a few essential guides to all things French wine: Choose the Perfect Wine Glass Every Time Unravelling the Mystery: Decoding French Wine Labels Excusez-moi? French Wines Explained

Ah, French wines – they're renowned for their elegance and complexity, but their labels can often seem like a labyrinth of information. Fear not, we're here to guide you through the art of deciphering French wine labels. By the end of this journey, you'll confidently navigate the world of French wine with ease, selecting the perfect bottle for any occasion. Understanding the French Wine Label Understanding the Region: The first clue to unravelling a French wine label is the region. France boasts a multitude of wine regions, each with its unique terroir and grape varieties. Look for terms like Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Rhône Valley, which indicate the wine's origin. The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC): Think of the AOC as the gold standard of French wine labels. It certifies that the wine adheres to strict regulations regarding grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and geographical origin. Having said that, some of the most enjoyable wines you’ll find sit outside an AOC, and may be marked as IGP (Indication Geographique Protégée), VDP (Vin de Pays) or Vin de France. These wines may be produced in larger regions with less regulation or are wines made outside the AOC regulations of a region, like a Chardonnay from Bordeaux. Grape Variety: Unlike New World wines that prominently display grape varieties, French labels often prioritise the region. However, some regions, like Alsace, do mention the grape variety on the label, making your job a little easier. Vintage Year: The vintage year indicates when the grapes were harvested and the wine was produced. Knowing the vintage of the wine is essential because it influences the wine's character and quality. A good year can make all the difference. The exceptions to this are Champagne's which are marked as 'NV' or 'non-vintage', as the base wine of these wines are a blend. Cracking the Label Code Let's take an example to put theory into practice: Label: 2018 Clos du Jaugueyron, Margaux 'Nout' Decoded: This wine hails from the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, a highly regarded appellation. The vintage is 2018, showcasing an exceptional year for Bordeaux wines, and the name of this particular cuveé is 'Nout'. Bonus Tip from Mosaique Wines Don't forget to explore the back label. It can often provide additional information about the winery's history, winemaking techniques, and tasting notes. This can offer valuable insights into the wine's personality and flavour profile. Failing that, you can always jump online and find out more. Deciphering French wine labels may seem like a daunting task, but with a little knowledge you can unlock a world of sipping adventures. Remember to embrace the journey, and don't hesitate to seek advice if you're unsure. Like to find out more about French wine? Read on: The Art of French Wine and Food Pairing Choose the Perfect Wine Glass Every Time Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines - What the Difference?

The easiest way to level up your wine drinking experience is to choose the right wine glass (or 'stemware' if you also call a watch a 'timepiece'). The shape and indeed the choice or stem or stemless can impact the taste of the wine in the glass, along with its aroma, temperature and effervescence. Read on to discover why your choice of glass matters, and how to get it right for a better wine experience. The Glass Matters - Aromas and Bouquets Wine is more than just a beverage; it's an aromatic symphony built through terroir, winemaking choices, vintage conditions and of course the grape itself. The shape of your wine glass plays a crucial role in how you perceive those delightful aromas and complex bouquets. Here's a quick overview: Red Wine Glasses: These typically have a larger bowl and wider opening, allowing the wine to 'breathe' and release its perfumed aromas. The wider shape also allows for better aeration, making it ideal for bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. White Wine Glasses: These have a narrower bowl, preserving the wine's crispness, temperature and delicate aromas. White wine glasses are perfect for Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and other lighter varietals. Sparkling Wine Glasses: With their tall, slender design, sparkling wine glasses help maintain the effervescence and direct the bubbles to your palate. Tulip-shaped glasses are perfect for your bubbly. The Role of the Bowl To add another element to your wine glass choice, the bowl of your wine glass can significantly influence your tasting experience. Here's a brief rundown: Wide-Bowled Glasses: Ideal for wines that require aeration, like young, robust wines. The ample surface area allows the wine to interact with the air, enhancing its flavours and aromas, similar to the benefits of decanting wine. In this category, you'll typically see two types of bowls - Bordeaux and Burgundy. The Bordeaux bowl tends to be more broad and tall to help soften tannins, minimising the bitterness of the wine, while the Burgundy bowl tapers in slightly towards the top to capture nuances, aromas and flavours. Narrow-Bowled Glasses: Perfect for wines that are delicate and nuanced, such as Chardonnay, Viognier or Riesling. These glasses focus the aromas and keep the wine cool, allowing you to taste the acidity of the wine and capture the pure fruit flavours. The Champagne flute is also a classically narrow-bowed glass, and while they are popular, choosing a more tulip shaped bowl will enhance the delivery of the aromatic notes while still preserving those precious bubbles. The Stem's Importance While stemless wine glasses have their place, stemware remains the preferred choice for those concerned with temperature challenges. The stem allows you to hold the glass without warming the wine with your hand. It also prevents unsightly fingerprints on the bowl, ensuring you can fully appreciate the wine's visual appeal. However, we're not denying the practicality of easily popping them in the dishwasher! One Glass for All? While specific glassware enhances the experience, you don't need an extensive collection to cover every single varietal. A versatile option, and a good starting point, would be the Burgundy glass as it can accommodate various wine types making it a practical choice. You can then build up your collection over time as your wine interest deepens - we hear glassware is a wonderful gift, hint hint! Need some advice on specific glassware and wine matches, or just in need of some more advice? Reach out to the Mosaique Wines team at hello@mosaiquewines.com.au or read on to discover more: Understanding French Wine Labels Excusez-moi? French Wines Explained Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines - What the Difference?

Mosaique Wines are proud to work with organic and biodynamic producers who have a profound care for and interest in preserving their natural environment. There are many reasons we prefer these wines, although you might be wondering: what exactly are organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, and do they really taste better? Well, pour yourself a glass, and let's dive into the fascinating world of organic and biodynamic wine. Organic and Biodynamic - A Closer Look First things first, let's clear up the confusion between organic and biodynamic wines. While they share common principles, they're not quite the same. Organic farming is a holistic approach that prioritises soil health, plant well-being, and environmental harmony. It's all about nurturing the land without the use of artificial fertilisers or synthetic chemicals. Biodynamic agriculture takes organic farming as a starting point and adds specific requirements. It treats the earth as a living organism, even prescribing unique practices like burying cow horns filled with manure in the soil. It goes further, aligning planting and cultivation with lunar and astrological influences. Yes, it may seem unconventional, but it's also intriguing and as we like to say - the proof is in the pudding (or wine). Embracing Tradition Interestingly, there's nothing particularly new about these practices. Before the 1840s, synthetic fertilisers and chemicals didn't even exist. Back then, all farming was essentially organic. For centuries, farmers relied on lunar events and age-old wisdom to ensure fruitful harvests. Some of the world's most renowned wine brands, like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, have remained organic or biodynamic because they refused to adopt chemicals. The Taste Test But do organic wines taste better? That's a matter of personal preference. Some seasoned tasters argue they can't tell the difference in a blind tasting, while others appreciate the clarity and purity of flavour in these wines. Enthusiasts claim they exude vitality and a unique sense of place. After all, happy dirt leads to happy vines, which eventually yields happy wine. Make it Official Here's the catch: the standards for organic and biodynamic practices are voluntary. This means that terms like 'spray-free,' 'natural,' 'organic practices,' and 'biodynamic practices' are often thrown around. These wines might be fantastic, but to be absolutely certain you're enjoying an organic or biodynamic wine, look for the magic word ‘Certified’ on the label. For biodynamic wines, this will most likely be the Demeter logo to signify certification. Natural Wines: The Wild Side Now, let's talk about natural wines – the rebels of the organic and biodynamic movements. These wines are made with minimal human intervention. Nothing is added during the process, and nothing is removed. It's like sipping a taste of history from a thousand years ago. In the hands of talented winemakers, and of course pristine fruit, these wines can be a thing of beauty. A word of caution, however, how you store and consume natural wines is integral to their enjoyment. It’s best to keep them chilled and reduce their exposure to oxygen (meaning it’s best to gather some friends and enjoy the bottle together, rather than stretch it out over a few days). Orange Wines: A Unique Twist Orange wines, a subcategory of natural wines, are essentially whites made like reds. The result is a wine that's amber to orange in colour, with pronounced flavours, structural tannins, and an unexpected bitterness not typical of whites. They're a thrilling departure from the ordinary and prove to be excellent, versatile food matching wines. Sip, Explore, Repeat So, as you explore the world of organic, biodynamic and natural wines, know that you're not just sipping; you're embracing a philosophy that respects the earth, cherishes tradition, and delivers wines of exceptional character. Cheers to a more sustainable, flavourful, and soulful wine journey! Want to know more about how our producers farm organically and biodynamically? Get in touch and have a chat - hello@mosaiquewines.com.au There's more to explore in the world of French wine: Unravelling the Mystery: Decoding French Wine Labels Excusez-moi? French Wines Explained The Art of French Wine and Food Pairing