God made only water, but man made wine—Victor Hugo
There is no doubt that wine culture has penetrated deeply into every drop of France for a long period. For French, wine is not only wine but also a part of life.
Bordeaux and Burgundy are the highlighted wine producing areas because of their long-standing romantic culture and natural geographical advantages, the wine produced from both regions is the most vigorous among all producing areas. Besides, Bordeaux and Burgundy are also the main producing areas of French limestone quarries. Bordeaux and Burgundy are affected by the warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean, forming a unique climate. The unique thermostatic environment and abundant calcium in geology are essential for wine, limestone quality.
The process of wine preservation requires avoidance in the intense change of temperature. Therefore, most French wineries use limestone as the main building material. Limestone is endowed with unique high heat storage performance, which can absorb intense external heat during the day and release slowly at night, and overcome the difference of daytime temperature well. The unique characteristics of limestone provide a permanent greenhouse for wine brewing and play a vital role. Applying limestone meaning that you own a natural wine cellar.
The founder of Chateau Latour built the Pigeon Tower, a landmark building of the winery with limestone, which means low-profile and peace. This is exactly in line with the characteristics of limestone, and Latour has always adhered to the management concept of demanding quality and refusing to hype.
Chateau Latour
Pigeon Tower, the landmark building of Latour Vineyard
La Romanee-Conti, the most famous brewery in Burgundy, was also built by using a large amount of local limestone. La Romanee-Conti is one of the oldest and top vineyards in France and is widely regarded as the world's top red winery. Every tiny step of the creation process, the winery applies a strict and orderly system, which follows the natural balance and traditional characteristics. The natural characteristics of limestone provide a stable and unique brewing environment for wines from this vineyard.
La Romanee Conti
A bottle of excellent wine is produced through months of elaborate production and decades of refinement, which is similar to the formation of limestone that has gone through millions of years of accumulation. Underneath the mysterious and quiet exterior of the winery exists the elegant and delicate wine. Under the simple, understated and luxurious stone surface, limestone contains an ancient history. Both of them have similarities and differences in deep details and long history.
Limestone is widely used for French wineries. In recent years, it is also popular among many famous designers and architects. The unique characteristics of limestone allow the architecture full of flavor like wine.
