ALSACE, France, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- For centuries people have willingly traveled thousands of miles to drink the finest of wines on French soil. Why? Part of the answer lies in the soil itself. October is the perfect time to experience the different varietals and regions in France, notably in the Alsace-Burgundy-Champagne region. The terroir, or environment, varies literally from vineyard to vineyard in the ABC region, yielding a wide spectrum of characteristics even within one type of wine. Alsace, Burgundy, and Champagne-Ardenne occupy positions of prestige on the worldwide wine scale, and each offers a unique taste of France, as is showcased and described at http://www.abcoffrance.com/ .

The vineyards of Alsace are devoted to seven grape varieties (mainly white), the most prevalent being Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc (Klevner), and Pinot Gris (Tokay). Each type of wine is made from one, and only one, of these seven varieties. In other words, there is no blending; each bottle contains 100 percent of the grape for which it is named.

"The fall harvest is the perfect time to visit the ABC region of France," explained Philippe Choukroun, Alsace Tourism Board director. "This year, grapes have matured under extremely hot temperatures, and you can tell they are ready to fall off directly into your glass."

Alsatian Riesling is dry and zesty. In Alsace, all sugar from the grapes is fermented, giving the wine a distinctive dryness. Aged in barrels that are well aged themselves, Alsatian wines are never exposed to new wood and hence carry the flavors associated with old oak. For a wine tasting of local Alsatian wines and cremants, visit Caveau Leon Beyer vineyard in Eguisheim.

Burgundy's wines are organized according to the region of the vineyard, as opposed to the type of grape from which they are made. Burgundy vineyards are recognized for producing prized red and white wines due to their precious soil and enviable climate. The vineyards harvest a variety of wines from Chardonnays to Pinot Noirs and Sauvignons all with distinctive flavors.

The six major vineyard plots of Burgundy include Chablis, Marsannay to Corgoloin, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise, Maconnais, and Pouilly-sur-Loire. To indulge in the best glass of wine you'll taste, take a trip to Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet.

The Champagne region produces thousands of different varieties, each with its own characteristics and flavors. Most champagnes are a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, though there is also Blanc de Blanc, consisting purely of Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Noirs is made exclusively from the two Pinots and is more full-bodied than white champagne. Rose, or Pink Champagne, utilizes blending techniques to introduce still, red wine, also from the Champagne-Ardenne area, into the champagne.

In France, the champagne-making process is strictly controlled, from vine tending techniques to bottle labeling. After being processed and bottled, non- vintage champagnes must age at least 15 months before being released, and vintage-dated champagnes must be aged no less than three years. Fine champagne is generally considered to be at its peak between four and 10 years of age.

"Experiencing in person what this region has to offer is like seeing a picture of the sequoias at Yosemite national Park and then standing at the foot of the massive trees," added Choukroun. "You have to get up close and personal with our tiny towns, legendary vineyards and historic sites to feel the emotion."

Of course, the most interesting features of regional wines must be learned in person. Embark on a guided tour of champagne houses to experience the drink like you never have before. To truly appreciate the multitude of nuances and "personality" in ABC wines, you have to taste them for yourself. You can learn all about the ABC region, vineyards, and other tourist and travel opportunities at http://www.abcoffrance.com/ .

Salut! About ABC of France

ABC of France (http://www.abcoffrance.com/ ) is an alliance created by the Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne-Ardenne regions in France to promote the area's unique culture. Stretching from just east of Paris to the borders of Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, and south to the foothills of the Jura Mountains, the area combines a Mediterranean, Germanic and Gaelic mix of influences. With its ancestral forests, green mountains and rolling vineyards, it is the crossroads of Europe and of history, itself.

CONTACT: Sandy Broussard, +1-337-232-8214, or sandy@graham-group.com ,
for ABC of France

Web site: http://www.abcoffrance.com/