Wine Folly - Map of #{name} Wine Regions

France

Explore the wine regions of France, including Bordeaux and Champagne, currently the world’s largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and arguably the origins of modern-day winemaking.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Top 10 Varieties
-100+ Common Varieties

Top Wine Influencer

The wines of France have had a profound influence on new and developing wine countries. So, even if you haven't had a French wine before, you've had one inspired by France. For example, the varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay originated here, and the French versions have a distinct character unlike any other. Tasting French wine offers a valuable perspective on the evolution of modern wine.

Top Regions
-2,155,400 ACRES (2014)

Top Wine Influencer

Wine Regions France can be divided into 11 major wine regions that span a wide variety of climates and territories. Some regions are more well-known than others based on production size, or wide-reaching distribution and influence. Arguably the most influential (and famous) regions of France are Bordeaux, Bourgogne, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, and Champagne.

You'll find these aforementioned regions are a great place to explore popular French wine. If there is one takeaway to remember about French wine it's that its climate conditions vary greatly year to year, causing a high amount of vintage variation (where wines taste different year to year). Vintage variation isn't as noticeable in fine wines from quality producers but it does affect value wines a great deal. Thus, a good rule of thumb is to stock up great values on good vintages!

Good to Know

A "vin de terroir" is a regionally labeled wine with rules defining which grapes are used and how it's made.

Most high-end French wines are labeled by appelation ("vin de terroir") and not by variety-except for Alsace.

French Wine Course

Improve your knowledge of French wine with this hands-on course. A 4-part course where you learn from award-winning author, Madeline Puckette, and Master of Wine, Christine Marsiglio.

Wine Folly French Wine Course

Sparkling Wine

Brut Champagne

Champagne was the first region to produce sparkling wines made with the traditional method. The non-vintage, Brut Champagne is the most common style; a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Green Pear, Citrus, Smoke, Cream Cheese, Toast

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Vouvray

The most famous appellation for Chenin Blanc made in all styles from dry and sparkling to sweet and still. The sparkling and tendre (just barely sweet) wines are a great taste of the region.

Pear, Quince, Honeysuckle, Ginger, Beeswax

Light-Bodied White Wine

Sancerre

Sancerre is one of the top appellations for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley alongside Pouilly-Fumé and greater Touraine. Loire Valley very much typifies what cool climate Sauvignon Blanc is all about with high minerality, herbal aromatics and a tingly finish.

Gooseberry, White Peach, Tarragon, Lemon-Lime, Flint

Light-Bodied White Wine

Chablis

A small northerly region within Bourgogne whose singular focus is Chardonnay, made primarily in an unoaked style that brings out the wine’s pure fruit aromas and steely minerality. Expert tip: Many of the high end Grand Cru wines do see some oak.

Starfruit, Apple, White Blossom, Lemon, Chalk

Light-Bodied White Wine

Alsace Riesling

It's no surprise that the region closest to Germany specializes in Riesling. While there are a range of styles found here, the everyday Alsace Riesling is dry, with aromas of lime, green apple, and grapefriut, with smoky minerality and mouth-watering acidity.

Lime, Green Apple, Grapefruit Zest, Lemon Verbana, Smoke

Full-Bodied White Wine

White Burgundy

The Côte de Beaune region in Burgundy produces some of the top Chardonnay wines in the world. Wines are often oak-aged, where controlled oxidation produces wines a with rich nut and vanilla flavors alongside notes of apple, melon, and white flowers.

Yellow Apple, Acacia Blossom, Honeydew Melon, Vanilla, Hazelnut

Rosé

Côtes de Provence Rosé

One of the world’s foremost production regions for rosé produces delicate rosé wines with a pale copper hue. Some of the best wines come from the Côtes de Provence appellation and often have a proportion of Rolle (aka Vermentino) in the blend.

Strawberry, Celery, Watermelon, Clay Pot, Orange Zest

Light-Bodied Red Wine

Beaujolais

Just south of Burgundy, you’ll find decomposing pink granite soils which produce high-quality Gamay wines. The best wines come from the 10 Crus where the wines can have a striking resemblance to Red Burgundy, but for a fraction of the price.

Cherry, Violet, Peony, Peach, Potting Soil

Light-Bodied Red Wine

Red Burgundy

Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are some of the highest priced wines in the world. What sets them apart are unmistakable earthy and rose aromas. Seek out the Bourgogne regional wines on good vintages for a taste.

Red Cherry, Hibiscus, Mushroom, Potting Soil, Dried Leaves

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

Southern Rhône Blends

The dominant grapes in this Southern French favorite include Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Red wines deliver bold stewed raspberry, fig and blackberry flavors with subtle notes of dried herbs and cured meats.

Plum Sauce, Anise, Graphite, Lavender, Tobacco

Medium-Bodied Red Wine

Northern Rhône Syrah

The world’s obsession for Syrah was inspired by the wines of the Northern Rhône. Vineyards grow along the slopes (or Côtes) of the Rhône river and produce wines with savory fruit aromas and peppery aromas with a lighter body and sometimes grippy tannins.

Olive, Plum, Black Pepper, Blackberry, Meat Juices

Full-Bodied Red Wine

Red Bordeaux Blends

A wine that inspired the world’s love affair with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The best values include the regional Bordeaux Superieur appellation which offers savory flavors of graphite, black currant, black cherry, and cigar supported by firm-but-balanced tannins.

Black Currant, Black Cherry, Pencil Lead, Loam, Tobacco

Reading a Label

The secret to becoming confident with French wine is acknowledge that wines are labeled by region or appellation. Each appellation has a set of rules that dictate what grapes are inside the bottle.

Wine Folly - France Wine Classifications

AOP / AOC

Appellation d'Origine Protégée/Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée: France’s most rigid classification specifies everything from the geographic area, the grapes allowed in the wine, the quality of those grapes and how the vineyards are planted, to the winemaking and aging processes used. There are over 300 appellations, each with different set of rules overseen by the INAO – The national committee for wine and other alcoholic beverages.

IGP / Vin de Pays

Indication Géographique Protégée: This regional designation represents a group of everyday drinking wines, often with the variety listed on the label. Rules are typically less strict, which can allow for more variable quality. There are around 150 IGPs in France, including Pays d’Oc, Côtes de Gasgogne, and Vin de Pays du Val de Loire.

Vin de France

Basic table wines of France with no regional specificity. These wines represent the lowest quality tier of French wine and often include the variety on the label and occasionally the vintage date.

Dynamic Wine Region Guides

Bordeaux Guide

Wine Folly takes you on a guided experience, while allowing you to explore information about hundreds of wineries and wines from the area. Wineries update information themselves so you can explore what the region has to offer.

Wine Folly Regional Wine Guide: Bordeaux

Notable Regions in France

Bordeaux

The vast majority of Bordeaux produces the eponymous red blend, which features Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. While the most treasured wineries (aka Château) command top prices, most wines can be found for great prices. You just need to know where to look.

Burgundy

(French: "Bourgogne") Burgundy's vineyards can trace their origins back to medieval times, when Cistercian monks planted grapevines in walled vineyards called clos ("klo"). What did the monks plant? Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, of course! These two grapes are now world renowned and Burgundy is considered the benchmark of quality.

Champagne

As one of the coolest growing regions of France, Champagne has historically struggled with ripening grapes. Perhaps it's because of this that cellar masters in the 1600s, like Dom Perignon, focused on cutting-edge wine production, leading to the popularization of sparkling wines. There are three primary grapes of Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Languedoc-Roussillon

The Languedoc-Roussillon combines the Languedoc and Roussillon regions into the largest vineyard area of France, and it's a great place to hunt for values. Languedoc specializes in red blends made of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. Additional surprises include great sparkling wines (Crémant de Limoux), dessert wines, and zesty whites.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a large region that follows the longest river of France and its many tributaries. As a cooler-climate growing area, the Loire is an exceptional place to find lean, racy white wines including those of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet. Red varieties include Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec), which produce herbaceous, rustic reds and fruity, dry rosé.

Explore Centre-Loire Wine

Rhône Valley

Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the primary varieties in the Rhône Valley. In the South, Côtes du Rhône blends (red and rosé) can feature up to 18 different grapes in a blend! In the Northern Rhône, single-varietal Syrah is the focus, along with scant plantings of Viognier.

Common Label Terms

Wine Folly - France Wine Classifications
  • BiologiqueOrganically produced
  • Blanc de BlancsA white sparkling wine made with 100% white grapes.
  • Blanc de NoirsA term for white sparkling wine made with 100% black grapes.
  • BrutA term for sweetness level in sparkling wine. Brut indicates a dry style.
  • CépageThe grapes used in the wine (Encépagement is the proportions of the blend).
  • ChâteauA winery
  • ClosA walled vineyard or vineyard on the site of an ancient walled vineyard. Commonly used in Burgundy.
  • CôtesWines from a slope or hillside (contiguous)–usually along a river.
  • CoteauxWines from a grouping of slopes or hillsides (non-contiguous).
  • CruTranslates to “growth” and indicates a vineyard or group of vineyards typically recognized for quality.
  • CuvéeTranslates to “vat” or “tank” but is used to denote a specific wine blend or batch.
  • Demi-SecOff-dry (lightly sweet)
  • DomaineA winery estate with vineyards.
  • DouxSweet
  • Élevé en fûts de chêneAged in oak
  • Grand CruTranslates to “Great Growth” and is used in Burgundy and Champagne to distinguish the region’s best vineyards.
  • Grand VinUsed in Bordeaux to indicate a winery’s “first label” or best wine they produce. It’s common for Bordeaux to have a 1st, 2nd or 3rd label at varying price tiers.
  • MillésimeThe vintage date. This term is commonly used in the Champagne region.
  • Mis en bouteille au château/domaineBottled at the winery
  • MoelleuxSweet
  • MousseuxSparkling
  • Non-filtréAn unfiltered wine
  • PétillantLightly sparkling
  • Premier Cru (1er Cru)Translates to “First Growth” and is the top-tier designation for producers in Bordeaux and the 2nd best designation for vineyards in Burgundy and Champagne.
  • PropriétaireOwner of winery
  • SupérieurA regulatory term commonly used in Bordeaux to describe a wine with higher minimum alcohol and aging requirements than the base.
  • Sur LieA wine that is aged on lees (dead yeast particles) which are known to give a creamy/bready taste and increased body. This term is most commonly found with Muscadet of the Loire.
  • Vendanger à la mainHand harvested
  • Vieille VignesOld vines
  • VignobleVineyard
  • Vin Doux Naturel (VDN)A wine that is fortified during fermentation (usually a sweet dessert wine).

Recent France Articles


Cover Image for Sparkling Red Wine – Misunderstood and Utterly Delicious

Sparkling Red Wine – Misunderstood and Utterly Delicious

Sparkling Red wine is often overlooked due to its reputation, but maybe that’s all hot air? Discover delicious, bubbly red wine worth your time.

Read More
Cover Image for The First 4 Wines You Must Try From Bordeaux

The First 4 Wines You Must Try From Bordeaux

It’s difficult to master Bordeaux but not hard get started enjoying this wine region by tasting the four major wine styles.

Read More
Cover Image for Tasting Challenge: French Gewürztraminer

Tasting Challenge: French Gewürztraminer

Discover how a distinctly German grape became a French wine superstar. This week’s tasting challenge sips on Gewürztraminer.

Read More
Cover Image for Tasting Challenge: Tavel Rose

Tasting Challenge: Tavel Rose

Tavel Rosé will redefine pink wine when it hits your palate. Jump into this week’s tasting challenge to learn about the wine of raconteurs.

Read More
Cover Image for Wine Folly’s Handy Champagne Guide

Wine Folly’s Handy Champagne Guide

There’s a lot to consider when opening a bottle of Champagne for your celeberation. We’ve got you covered with our Handy Champagne Guide.

Read More
Cover Image for Tasting Challenge: French Sauternes

Tasting Challenge: French Sauternes

Discover how the Sauternes region of France can go from moldy grapes to one of the most treasured dessert wines in the world.

Read More
Cover Image for Tasting Challenge: French Crémant

Tasting Challenge: French Crémant

Do you have “Champagne taste on a beer budget?” This week’s wine tasting challenge sips an alternative to the regular bubbly: French Crémant.

Read More
Cover Image for Tasting Challenge: Bordeaux – France’s Famous Red Blend

Tasting Challenge: Bordeaux – France’s Famous Red Blend

For this week’s wine tasting challenge we’re sipping on Bordeaux. Discover how different grapes complement each other to make something exciting and unique.

Read More
Cover Image for Wine Advent Calendar of France (in 12 Bottles)

Wine Advent Calendar of France (in 12 Bottles)

It’s time to discover France! The French wine advent calendar includes 12 wines that span the most famous (and delicious) regions.

Read More
Cover Image for AOC Wine: Decoding French Wine Classifications

AOC Wine: Decoding French Wine Classifications

When it comes to AOC wine and French classifications, it can feel really complicated really fast. But if you know some basics, you’ll find that understanding comes pretty easily.

Read More
Cover Image for All You Ever Wanted to Know About Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine (And More)

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine (And More)

If there was French red that everyone deserves to taste it’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape. For many, CdP is the ultimate gateway drug to French wine.

Read More
Cover Image for The Hottest Champagne Region Right Now (Côte des Bar)

The Hottest Champagne Region Right Now (Côte des Bar)

Somms are nerding out over sparklers from the off-beat Champagne region of Côte des Bar. And you should be too. Here’s your guide to the wines, regions, producers and soils of Champagne’s Aube.

Read More
Cover Image for The Secret to Finding Good Beaujolais Wine

The Secret to Finding Good Beaujolais Wine

Want to know the secret to finding great Beaujolais wine? Learn the region. This handy little wine guide offers tricks to the region renown for its fruity Gamay-based red wines.

Read More
Cover Image for The Quick Guide to Great Cognac

The Quick Guide to Great Cognac

Let’s take a closer look at Cognac and how white wine grapes are at the core of the production of this world-renown brandy.

Read More
Cover Image for French Wine Exploration Map

French Wine Exploration Map

Jumpstart your French wine knowledge with this French Wine Map and an overview of its 11 wine region – plus a 12th section to highlight up-and-coming areas!

Read More
Cover Image for Understanding Alsace Wine (w/ Maps)

Understanding Alsace Wine (w/ Maps)

The next addition to Wine Folly’s maps is here. Please welcome the region of Alsace, the 6th map in the France map series. Alsace lies on the border between France and Germany and is most famously known for its…

Read More
Cover Image for A Primer to Bordeaux Wine

A Primer to Bordeaux Wine

Bordeaux (“Bore-doe”) refers to a wine from Bordeaux, France. Over 90% of Bordeaux wines are red wines made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This article will introduce you to Bordeaux wine including tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and key details to know.

Read More
Cover Image for Alsace Wine: A Guide For Oenophiles

Alsace Wine: A Guide For Oenophiles

Learn how to find great Alsatian wines on your own by understanding the region’s wine classification system. You’ll learn about the styles of Alsatian wines but also get to make sense of how the varied soils affect top wines including Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Read More
Cover Image for Savoie Wine: Unusual Finds From the French Alps

Savoie Wine: Unusual Finds From the French Alps

This guide will present Savoie’s main grape varieties (it’s white wine heaven), outline the flavor profiles of the wines and introduce you to its 3 appellations.

Read More
Cover Image for The Guide to Chablis Wine

The Guide to Chablis Wine

Chablis (“Shah-blee”) is a Chardonnnay region in the northwest corner of Burgundy, France. Find out how to find a great bottle of Chablis with these tips.

Read More
Cover Image for Loire Valley Wine Guide

Loire Valley Wine Guide

In this advanced guide we’ll explore the wines of the Loire Valley of France–from Muscadet to Sancerre. Figure out what’s the love and where to look for your next bottle of Loire.

Read More
Cover Image for Northern Rhône Wine Region: The Land of French Syrah

Northern Rhône Wine Region: The Land of French Syrah

The Northern Rhône region of France is the benchmark by which all other Syrah wines are measured. Find out the intricacies of this region and learn how to shop smart for wines from this storied region.

Read More
Cover Image for 3 Urban Vineyards Show That Anything is Possible

3 Urban Vineyards Show That Anything is Possible

Vineyards are not something we associate with cities. Check out these 3 urban vineyards that show how local wines can be a lot more local than you think.

Read More
Cover Image for What UNESCO Status Means for French Wine

What UNESCO Status Means for French Wine

UNESCO approved 2 new World Heritage sites in wine regions within Burgundy and Champagne. Of course, getting tagged with UNESCO status has a few interesting caveats.

Read More
Cover Image for Treasure Map: Exotic Wines of Southern France

Treasure Map: Exotic Wines of Southern France

Discover 3 lesser known wine regions in Southern France. A map to gems including: secret values, big earthy red wines, and decadent Rosés.

Read More
Cover Image for Drink like the Pope: Chateauneuf du Pape Wine

Drink like the Pope: Chateauneuf du Pape Wine

Learn about Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine: the wine blend, the taste, and how to find great wines and awesome values from the Southern Rhône region.

Read More
Cover Image for Learn the Difference: Argentinian Malbec vs. French Malbec

Learn the Difference: Argentinian Malbec vs. French Malbec

Learn the taste differences between Argentina Malbec and French Malbec. This short exercise will help you decode ‘terroir’.

Read More
Cover Image for The Wines of South West France (map)

The Wines of South West France (map)

Discover the wines of South West France including Malbec and long-lived Tannat. South West French wines are underrated and delicious…

Read More
Cover Image for The Guide to Côtes-du-Rhône Wine w/ Maps

The Guide to Côtes-du-Rhône Wine w/ Maps

The Cotes du Rhone Wine region is home to some amazing Syrah and Grenache. Find out how to read the Cotes du Rhone Wine Labels and the secrets to this awesome region.

Read More
Cover Image for Your Guide to Provence Wine Region (With Map)

Your Guide to Provence Wine Region (With Map)

Provence wine region is located in the South of France close to Marseille and Cannes. Discover the secrets of this underrated wine region famous for rosé.

Read More
Cover Image for Alsace Wine Region: A Manual for Oenophiles

Alsace Wine Region: A Manual for Oenophiles

What should you know about Alsace wine as you explore all the wine regions of France? Learn the most important facts about Alsace including its major wine grapes and blends. Check out a map of the region and some amazing photos…

Read More
Cover Image for A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (With Maps)

A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (With Maps)

Want more confidence understanding Burgundy wine? This simplified guide includes maps, infographics and most important facts on the five major sub-regions.

Read More
Cover Image for Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

What is Languedoc Roussillon famous for? For wine enthusiasts on a budget, Languedoc-Roussillon is becoming known as a great value wine region. So what do you need to know…

Read More
Cover Image for Discover Bordeaux Wine Region with 4 Tips

Discover Bordeaux Wine Region with 4 Tips

How do you find great cheap Bordeaux wine? Here are four simple pieces of advice that will hone your wine knowledge and help you find Bordeaux for less than $20 a bottle.

Read More