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Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 47 France boasts one of the world's richest wine heritages and is the leading global producer of wine, with more than 100,000 vineyards and 50 grape varieties. Among the many regions and varietals, several stand out as instantly recognisable. THE GREAT WINE REGIONS OF FRANCE ALSACE Located near the German border, Alsace produces sweet and fruity white wines using Gewürztraminer and Riesling grapes. BEAUJOLAIS Known for light, fruity red wines made from the gamay grape. BORDEAUX The foundation of this region's wines lies in the tannin‑rich cabernet sauvignon and lush Merlot varietals. When blended, they create some of the world's most extraordinary wines. BURGUNDY The chardonnay grape is synonymous with Burgundy's white wines. Lesser known is the region's pinot noir, which yields complex red wine. CHAMPAGNE Wines from this region are typically blends of two or three grape varieties, most notably chardonnay and pinot noir. A key to great Champagne is minimising contact between the juice and grape skins to prevent unwanted colouration. LOIRE VALLEY This region is celebrated for the crisp flavours of sauvignon blanc. Often described as "summer in a glass," Loire wines are beloved by the French. RHÔNE VALLEY Grenache and shiraz (known in France as syrah) from the Rhône Valley produce fruity wines that pair beautifully with hearty winter dishes like coq au vin. Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 47