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Chardonnay, Hermitage, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Merlot, Pinot Noir - France and the production of classic wines go hand-in-hand. The French combine the cultural sophistication, attention to gastronomic detail and philosophical sang-froid to be able to produce wine that many sophisticated wine buffs regard as still the best in the World. (I don't know what sang-froid actually means, but it sounds about right, I think you'll agree.)