If you love wine, you know France is one of those renowned winemaking countries steeped in history and distinguished varietals.
With hundreds of appellations, French wine culture is seemingly inexhaustible.
In this article, we’re providing a rundown of the eleven popular French wine regions to give you an overview of top locations, best wines, and more.
An Overview of the French Wine Classification System
For centuries, France has been using variations in terroir (or soil) to influence the taste and texture of a wine. By the 1850s, a wine classification system had been developed under Napolean III to identify the country's best wines.
Later, in the 1930s, the French government created the Appellation d'origine contrôlée or AOC system. More detailed than the earlier classification, AOC separates regions by the types of grapes to ensure quality.
Today, there are four levels of French wine classification as a result:
1. Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)
Wines under this classification are of higher quality and must undergo strict regulations involving alcohol content, grape variety, wine production, and how many grapes can be grown within the French vineyard.
2. Appellation d'Origine Vin De Qualité Supérieure
Second to AOC, wines under this classification undergo similar regulation requirements.
3. Vin de Pays
Wines under this label are produced from grapes that are not under AOC regulations. Winemaking practices for these wines are much more lenient.
4. Vin de Table
Known as “table wines,” wines under this label are on the lowest level of French classification. There are no limits on grape varietals, appellations, alcohol, growing methods, or production for these wines.
French Wine Region Map
There is so much to explore when it comes to fine French wines. Join us as we travel through France’s top wine regions and experience the variety its culture has to offer.
Bordeaux
When discussing the Bordeaux wine region, it is common to refer to wines as either from the Left or Right Bank. This refers to the division by the Gironde Estuary along the Garonne River in southwest France.
Bordeaux produces intense, rustic red blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Left Bank blends contain voluptuous black currant, gravel, and tobacco notes. Right Bank Bordeaux, on the other hand, is slightly softer with prominent cherry and tobacco flavors. Wines from Saint-Émilion specifically are known for this.
White Bordeaux wines are less common, with only 10% of production dedicated to bright blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. These wines boast refreshing pink grapefruit, green melon, and beeswax notes.
Burgundy
The most highly rated vineyards (Grand Cru) are located in this famous wine region's northern Côtes de Nuits appellation. Many legacy grape varietals are grown here, including a bold style of Pinot Noir, which originated in this region. With cranberry, rosehip, hibiscus, and herbal notes, you’ll never go wrong sipping a Pinot Noir when you visit.
Regarding white wine, rich Oaked Chardonnay is also prolific in this region, specifically in the Côte de Beaune appellation.
Alsace
Located in breathtaking hills near Germany, the Grand Cru vineyards of Alsace contain various microclimates, allowing them to produce several distinguished wine varietals. Three appellation labels are used, including Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru for still wines and Crémant d Alsace for sparkling wines.
White wines like Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer reign supreme in this region.
Rhône Valley
This region is divided into Southern Rhône and Northern Rhône by the Rhône River. The main winemaking appellation here is Côtes du Rhône in the east, where bold Syrah and aromatic Viognier are highly regarded. Red wines like Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Rosé Wines are among the best wines for sipping in the Rhône Valley.
Rhône Valley is also home to the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine.
Champagne
The northernmost region of France is breathtakingly chilling, perfect for crafting sparkling wines like its namesake varietal, Champagne. Winemaking practices and regulations here are so intense no wines produced in this area are allowed to bear the “Champagne” label. These wines are unique because they undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, allowing those golden, pearly bubbles to form.
Vintage Champagnes like Dom Perignon are among the top legacy wines to sip.
Provence
Boasting one of the oldest vineyards in France, Provence is most famous for its clean and fruity Rosé. With red fruit notes, bright acidity, and just a hint of spice, there’s no other blush wine like it. Located south of the Rhône Valley, this region’s hot and dry climate allows red grapes to thrive. Chateau Pradeaux and Chateau de Roquefort are the top wine locations to visit here.
Corsica
An island off the coast of eastern France, this region boasts Sangiovese explosive with raspberry flavors. Regarding white varietals, Vermentino is notable here. This wine is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc, although it is smokier, more herbaceous, and juicer than the previously mentioned.
Loire Valley
This region is located in northwest France and has beautiful medieval architecture and lush green fields. It’s the perfect backdrop for bright white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Muscadet, which are bright, fruity, and floral. For red wine, spicy Cabernet Franc with tart cherry and bell pepper notes is a delectable choice in Loire Valley.
Jura and Savoie
Nestled in the east near the French Alps, Jura and Savoie are best known for fortified wines Sherry and Vermouth. The oxidative white wine Vin Jaune is produced exclusively in Chateau Chalon. These wines are lean, juicy, and nutty with just a hint of spice. You may also enjoy crisp sparkling red wine, Bugey Cerdon, a Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes blend.
Languedoc-Roussillon
This regional duo is the most productive winemaking location in France. Located along the Mediterranean Coast parallel to Corsica, you can enjoy many distinguished wines. This includes luscious Rosé, Crémant de Limoux (similar to Champagne), Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Carignan (dried raspberry, cranberry, licorice, and cured meat notes).
Sud-Ouest (Southwest)
This smaller, lesser-known region is tucked away in the forested southwest corner of France. However, this area is famous for robust, peppery, and jam-like Malbec. While this region may not be as sought after as the others, you won’t be disappointed by the Malbec here.
Tour French Wine Regions At Home
Now that you have a deeper understanding of some of the most prolific French wine regions, we hope you’ll continue exploring all the magnificent choices this country offers.
If you’d like to further enrich your wine knowledge, check out our Podcast and Wine Online 101 for everything related to the wine world.
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