France is known for producing world-renowned wines. While many people are familiar with the most famous French wines (like the First Growth Bordeaux or Grand Cru Burgundies), France produces far more than just a notable few. If you look closer, you’ll see that many of the country’s wine regions produce incredibly diverse and delicious varieties, running from Cabernet to Riesling. In an effort to spread the word about the incredible variety that French wines offer and to help you find your new favorite wine from France, we’ve created this guide to the best French wines (in our humble opinion). With our help, you just might be able to find your new favorite French wine without ever leaving the comfort of your home; let our curated guide whisk you away to the rolling hillsides of French wine country.
The Best Beaujolais Wine
Our Pick: Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py | 2020
This red wine, produced with Gamay grapes, might leave you speechless; luckily, “Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate” has already said it perfectly. You’ll find that this wine tastes every bit as poetic as its rating, which is noted below, sounds.
“The 2020 Morgon Côte du Py is one of the region’s most dependable classics, unfurling in the glass with notes of cassis, sweet berry fruit, spices, and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, with lively acids, powdery tannins, and a seamless, complete profile, it concludes with a long, mouthwatering finish.”
The Best Bordeaux Wine
Our Pick: Château Pape Clément | 2018
The Château Pape Clémentis a beautifully inviting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, aged in French Oak for approximately 18 months. The result? A vibrant symphony of notes of black cherry, plum, and raspberry accented with hints of earth and spice. You can’t go wrong with this impressive vintage.
The Best Champagne
Our Pick: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs | 2011
The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is full-bodied with a fresh yet composed flavor profile that lingers on the palate. With a delicate balance of mineral and floral notes as it passes 10 years old, it’s ready to be appreciated. However, If you’re looking to hold a bottle for a special occasion, don’t be afraid to hold on to this incredible vintage. It has plenty more good things yet to come.
The Best Rhone Valley Wine
Our Pick: Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes | 2016
Made of 100% grenache grapes, the Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes has a relatively high alcohol content (15%) that it carries with grace. Earthy notes mingle with the flavors such as raspberry and cherry, making for an exceptionally drinkable wine from one of France’s most consistent wine regions.
The Best Wine From The Loire Valley
Our Pick: Domaine Huet Le Mont Vouvray Moelleux Première Trie | 2020
This wine might be the sweetest offered in this selection and is also one of the youngest; don’t let this deter you; it’s exceptionally palatable and refined. Heralding from the vintage of 2020, you’ll be struck by the intense yellow color of this wine and its generous fruit-forward flavors. Enjoy a bottle of Domaine Huet Le Mont Vouvray Moelleux Première Trie now or in a decade, you can do no wrong.
The Best French Burgundy Wine
Our Pick: Domaine Pierre Gelin Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de Meixvelle | 2018
Heralding from the region of Burgundy, this wine presents many notable characteristics for which the region is known. It’s composed of 100% Pinot Noir and carries dark fruit notes mixed with fragrant spices and mineral notes. The Domaine Pierre Gelin Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de Meixvelle is more than ready to drink now but has all the makings of a wine that should keep well into the 2030s.
Other Excellent Brands
Brands like Domain Guiberteau, Camille Giroud and Jean Foillard immediately come to mind when we consider other excellent French wines. These vineyards produce lavishly textured wines that harmoniously blend fruit and spice to create wonder on the palate. And let’s not forget Louis Roederer, the winemaker that brought us the infamous Cristal. Search the French countryside and you will no doubt find an infinite supply of superb quality wine for all preferences.
Searching For More French Wines?
Haven’t quite found what you’re looking for? Fear not. It’s never been easier to browse and shop French wines online. Thanks to online wine retailers like Winedeals.com, you can even narrow your search and shop by region, the grapes used, rating, price, vintage, and more. Don’t stop now; your favorite French wine awaits only a few clicks away.
