A quick guide to the major wine regions of France

When it comes to wine, France can be a difficult country to navigate. Daunting labels, convoluted appellation rules and endless grape varieties can confuse even the most keen wine lover. But once you learn your way around a few key regions, you’ll certainly be rewarded.

Burgundy

Most known for: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Burgundy is renowned for its prestigious and expensive wines produced in the north and easy-drinking wines crafted in the south. The majority of Burgundy’s production – and the best way to get fantastic value for money –  is labelled Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc, which is used for classic, straightforward and easy-drinking wines made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay respectively. 

Though technically part of Burgundy, Chablis and Beaujolais are essentially their own regions with their own unique personalities. Chablis is known for refreshingly crisp, austere white wines made from Chardonnay whilst Beaujolais is famed for light, soft and fruity reds predominantly using Gamay.

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Bordeaux

Most known for: Red blends made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

Undoubtedly the world's most famous wine region, Bordeaux has captivated wine drinkers for hundreds of years. It’s home to some of the world's most illustrious wine estates and commands some of the highest prices –  but great value wines can be found too.

Wine is made in three main styles: White blends from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, Cabernet-dominant blends from the Left Bank and Merlot-dominant blends from the Right Bank. There are now 20 grape varieties permitted for Bordeaux wine, but more than 90% of wines are made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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Rhône Valley

Most known for: Bold, spicy red blends and rich, aromatic white blends.

The Mistral wind is vital to winemaking in the South of France, bringing cooler temperatures and reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Bold, meaty Syrah from Hermitage in the North and distinguished, complex red blends from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the South are two of the most iconic wines of the region – with high prices to match.

Wines labelled Côtes du Rhône make up roughly half of all wines produced, making easy-drinking, food-friendly and far more affordable choices. They’re either red blends mostly made with Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre or floral and full-bodied white blends made mostly with Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Clairette.

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Loire Valley

Most known for: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, off-dry whites, sparkling wine

The Loire Valley is known for producing all kinds of wine styles in a range of sweetness levels. Easy-drinking Muscadet is extremely popular, traditional method sparkling wine is a fantastic alternative to Champagne and its reds made from Cabernet Franc are criminally underrated.

The region is famed for producing Chenin Blanc in a range of sweetness levels, as well as crisp, smoky Sauvignon Blanc, the best examples of which are found in the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations. It’s a favourite region among wine lovers in the know – quality can be found at all price points and there’s a wine style for any palate.

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Champagne

Most known for: Sparkling wine made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Champagne is the world’s most important region for sparkling wine –  and fiercely protective governing bodies are intent to keep it that way. It’s insisted that wines made are subject to strict regulations and, most importantly, must be produced in the region in order to be labelled Champagne.

Wines are usually a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grown on chalky soils not dissimilar to our own in the south of England. They must be made using the traditional method, whereby a blend of base wines undergo a second fermentation in bottle, creating its signature effervescence. Now more than ever, there’s phenomenal value to be found in Champagne – you just need to know where to look.

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Languedoc

Most known for: Red blends, Picpoul 

The Languedoc is a treasure trove for the curious drinker. It’s a fantastic region for finding incredible wines – for great value. Wines are mostly blends due to the number of different grape varieties grown. They range from big, rich, full-bodied red blends to crisp and zesty whites like Picpoul. Rosé, sparkling and sweet wines are also produced, so if you’re looking for an adventurous sip, the Languedoc is a must-try region.

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Provence

Most known for: Pale rosé blends

This sunny and mountainous Mediterranean region is known for its herbs and shrubs, collectively called ‘garrigue’. It’s home to a diverse range of wines due to the difference in altitude, temperature and landscape. Nearly 75% of wines produced are rosé, and the majority are produced in the ever-popular pale style, getting its unique colour from minimal skin contact in the winery. Rosé blends made with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault are the benchmark that rosé producers try to emulate all across the world – but none do it better than Provence.

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Alsace

Most known for: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer

An often underrated wine region until properly expired, Alsace may be France’s most unique appellation. Alsace’s rich heritage intertwines the French and German heritage, due to its geographical position. It sits on the border of the two countries, and has been contested over many times throughout history. As a result, the dual influence blends into one in many aspects. Long, slender bottles contain famously aromatic wines made with German grapes like Riesling and Gewürztraminer – but in a classic French style. If you’re a fan of German Riesling, you can expect the French iteration to be much drier, but just as delicious. And once you delve into Alsace wines, it’s hard not to fall in love. 

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