Laithwaite's Wine

France and wine are inextricably linked. No other country produces such a wide array of different wine styles, so deeply bedded into the history and culture of its regions.

France's variety of growing conditions couldn't be better suited to wine. Mediterranean, Atlantic, Alpine, river and continental influences all come into play, helping an amazing array of grape varieties to thrive.

French wine has also benefited from being organised into strict appellations, limiting certain grapes to specific regions.

Formed in the 1920s, the appellation contrôlée system might now appear rigid and restricting, especially when compared to today's free planting and experimentation as practiced in the New World. However, it has set down a series of classic wine styles that are admired (and emulated) the world over.