Wines of France
France is the benchmark of the wine world. Its appellation system (AOC/AOP) links wine to place — the idea of terroir — and its classic regions have given the world Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. French labels usually name the place, not the grape.
Main wine regions
- 1
Champagne
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier
The coolest classic region and home of the world's most famous sparkling wine, made by second fermentation in bottle.
- 2
Alsace
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris
Sunny and dry thanks to the Vosges mountains. Aromatic whites, labelled by grape — unusual for France.
- 3
Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Melon
A long river valley from Muscadet near the Atlantic to Sancerre in the east: crisp whites, light reds and sparkling Crémant.
- 4
Burgundy
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay (Gamay in Beaujolais)
A mosaic of tiny vineyards ranked as village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. Includes Chablis in the north and Beaujolais in the south.
- 5
Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc; Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Blends rule. The Left Bank (Médoc) favours Cabernet, the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol) favours Merlot. Sauternes makes famous sweet wine.
- 6
Rhône Valley
Syrah, Viognier (north); Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (south)
Peppery Syrah from steep northern slopes (Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie) and warm Grenache-based blends in the south (Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
- 7
South West
Malbec (Cahors), Tannat (Madiran)
Diverse and good value; the original home of Malbec.
- 8
Languedoc-Roussillon
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre
France's largest wine area: sunny Mediterranean reds and many good-value wines.
- 9
Provence
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah (rosé)
The world capital of pale, dry rosé.
Key grapes
Reading the label
Look for ‘AOC’ / ‘AOP’ (protected origin). ‘Grand Cru’ and ‘Premier Cru’ mark top vineyards in Burgundy and Champagne; in Bordeaux, ‘Grand Cru Classé’ refers to classified châteaux.
Put it into practice
Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.