the everyday guide to wines of france  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. 6 lectures 1french wines—quality and tradition 2alsace and loire—delicate, racy, and luscious 3burgundy—wines of sophistication and elegance 4bordeaux—bold and rich wines 5rhône valley—aromatic whites and spicy reds 6southern france—rising stars and secret gems