The earliest cultivation of French wines dates to the 6th century BC, when Greek settlers came to Gaul.  French wines grape cultivation continued throughout the Roman Empire and the Christian world.  Beginning in 1935, French wines became subject to classification standards.  Now French wines can be categorized as regional wines (e.g Burgundy), District wines (e.g Cote Du Rhone Villages), Commune wines (e.g Chambolle-Musigny), Premier Cru or Grand Cru wines such as those of the famed Bordeaux region.  French wines benefits from a variety of geographical features including mountainous areas, stretches of coastline, and areas of varied altitude and soil quality which produce unique French wines combinations of texture and flavor.  French wines encompasses some of the world’s top regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone and Champagne.  French wines grape varietals cover a wide variety of grapes to make use of their varied landscape and terroir.  Some of the best known French wines grape varietals include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and Viognier.