France is the reference point for wine. Many of the world’s favourite grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, made their names there. French labels can be confusing, though, because they usually name the place rather than the grape. Once you know which grapes grow where, it all starts to click.
Reading a French wine label
Most French wines are labelled by region or village under the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system, now often shown as AOP. The rules for each place set which grapes can be used. So “Sancerre” means Sauvignon Blanc, “Chablis” means Chardonnay and “Beaujolais” means Gamay, even if the grape isn’t named.
Bordeaux: the home of Cabernet and Merlot
Bordeaux makes structured, age-worthy red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Left Bank wines, such as the Médoc, lean on Cabernet and are firmer; Right Bank wines, like Saint-Émilion, use more Merlot and are softer and plummier.
Calvet Saint-Émilion is a smooth, approachable Right Bank red, and Château Laffitte Laujac Médoc shows the more classic, structured style. For everyday drinking, Calvet Prestige Bordeaux is great value.
Burgundy: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at their purest
Burgundy is famous for silky, perfumed Pinot Noir and some of the finest Chardonnay in the world. Moillard Burgundy Pinot Noir is a lovely, affordable way in, and Louis Jadot Côte de Beaune-Villages steps it up. For white, Chablis in the north of Burgundy is crisp and mineral: Domaine du Colombier Chablis is a superb example.
The Rhône: warm, spicy reds
The Rhône Valley makes generous reds from Grenache and Syrah. Côtes du Rhône is the everyday style; Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the famous, powerful top end. Our Selection Côtes du Rhône Villages is a brilliant-value bottle, and M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine is a proper treat.
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by Amazon Our Selection Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, 75cl | Award-Winning French Red Wine | Grenache Blend | Smooth Fruit with Warm Spice | Great with BBQ & Grilled Meats
£8.49 -
M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernardine 75cl 14.5% ABV – French Red Wine
£42.95 -
Domaine du Colombier Chablis, Chardonnay Burgundy, 75cl
£18.56
The Loire: crisp whites and elegant reds
The Loire is the home of Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre, Muscadet near the coast, and Chenin Blanc in between. Domaine Sylvain Bailly Sancerre is zesty and mineral, a perfect partner for goat’s cheese.
Beaujolais: juicy, light and fun
Beaujolais is made from Gamay and is all about bright, juicy red fruit. It’s brilliant lightly chilled. The ten “cru” villages, like Fleurie and Morgon, make the best wines; Louis Jadot Fleurie is gorgeous.
Provence: the world’s favourite rosé
Provence makes pale, dry, elegant rosé. Whispering Angel is the famous one, and Mirabeau Belle Année is a fantastic value alternative. See our rosé guide for more.
Languedoc and the south: France’s best value
The south of France makes huge amounts of great-value wine, from Picpoul de Pinet to Corbières and Fitou. Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet and La Baume Corbières both offer excellent quality for the money.
Champagne
No guide to French wine is complete without Champagne. See our guide to the best Champagne for parties, and our map of France’s wine regions for a deeper dive.
FAQs
What is the best French red wine for beginners?
A Côtes du Rhône or a Right Bank Bordeaux is soft, fruity and easy to enjoy.
Why don’t French labels show the grape?
Because the place name already tells you which grapes are allowed. Many producers now add the grape too.
What’s the best-value French region?
The Languedoc-Roussillon in the south, closely followed by Beaujolais and the Côtes du Rhône.