Tour de France Half Case

2 x 2007 Domaine de la Buissière Burgundy Pinot Noir
2 x 2010 Château Le Bonnat Jeansotte Bordeaux White
2 x 2010 Noémie Goichot Côtes du Rhône Red

Once and for all, forget the notion that understanding French wine ranks up there with mastering theoretical physics. It's not only simpler, it's also much more satisfying. Intimidated by French wine? Don't surrender (sorry, bad joke).

This is the half case to kick off your relatively short journey toward total French-wine enlightenment and enjoyment – no beret or smoking habit required. And we've made it simple. You get two bottles from each of France's best regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. For each region taste one bottle on your own, then share the other with friends to spread your newfound Francophilia ... or don't, because odds are you'll like the wines enough to keep them for yourself.

First up is the Bordeaux. The white wines from this region tend to be made of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, as this 2010 Le Bonnat Sauvignon Blanc Blend is. But half the Sémillon was aged in oak barrels to give the wine a creamy, smooth texture. We love it, and you will, too.

Next move on to the Burgundy – where nearly all the reds are made of Pinot Noir. If you like Pinots from Oregon or New Zealand or California, definitely add red Burgundy to your repertoire. Especially at their most basic level, red Burgundies are as easy-drinking and enjoyable with food as they are on their own.

Last but not least, uncork the Côtes du Rhône. The reds from this region may contain any number of more than a dozen grape varieties, but the main three are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The most important thing to know, however, is that red Côtes du Rhônes are juicy, flavorful, slightly tannic wines that pair perfectly with everything from roast chicken to grilled burgers.

Not so complicated, anymore, right? And no one made you pronounce the French names on the labels, either ... maybe next time.

—Lot18