Dipping your to(ngu)e into the world of French wine can be intimidating. There are so many different types, regions, and varieties—but the unknown can be vast and exciting. The first thing to remember: Keep yourself open to new experiences and don’t be afraid to ask questions, said Irina Ponomarenko, a sommelier with The Sommelier Company.
French wine is revered around the world, largely because many of the benchmark styles originated there (think Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux), Ponomarenko said. “France is the origin of most 'international' grape varieties that we see in the New World wine regions, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc,” she continued. “All these grapes are French in origin.”
To fully understand French wine, you must understand its history, Denise Barker, a sommelier and Sommelier Society of America instructor said.
“Grapes are grown in almost every major region in France, and the culture, history and techniques are incredibly nuanced,” Barker said. “Some winemakers choose to honor their ancestors’ way of working in the vineyards, while others experiment with modern-day techniques, so there's a wide variety to choose from.”
Like many places, wine varies by the region in France. Here’s a crash course from Barker and Ponomarenko.
Alsace: This area is diverse in soil types, which means complexity and minerality in the wine. Look for Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Beaujolais: Here, it's all about the grape Gamay—lighter- to medium-bodied red wines with a little spice meant to be enjoyed young.
Bordeaux: This region is the big dog, the largest in France. Think big names and serious wines. A river divides the left and right banks. Left bank is Cabernet Sauvignon. Right bank is Merlot.
Burgundy: You’ve heard of this region, and they put out some of the world’s most prized Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Champagne: The drink of celebration. In the Champagne region, the sparkling wine is typically a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes.
Languedoc: This area is considered the new kid on the block. It’s up-and-coming and a leader in organic grapes. Plus, the diversity in grapes is impressive: the region produces red, rose, white, and sparking wines.
Loire Valley: This valley produces both red and whites, but is most famous for its Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet France.
Provence: Rosé all day.
Rhone Valley: Divide Rhone into two. The north is famous for Syrah, while the south is known for the Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blends.
Now that you're on the way to becoming an expert in French wines, here are some affordable bottles to start exploring the regions.
This family knows what they are doing as they've been making wine for 400 years. This wine from the Alsace region leans on the dry side and will go well with spicy and seafood dishes.
Wines in Bordeaux run the gammet when it comes to prices, but when looking for something affordable, search for the Crus Bourgeois label. These come from the left bank and age very well. This wine has notes of black fruit and oak and pairs nicely with meat.
Proof that you don't have to spend a lot in Bordeaux to get a good bottle. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are blended to make a wine with notes of mocha, wood, and blackcurrant.
Coming from the Burgundy region, this wine—with notes of strawberry, leather, and cinnamon—is one to drink with a beefy steak.
Domaine Michel Lafarge Raisins Dores Aligote Bourgogne Blanc 2018
This wine is made by a family who has lived in the Burgundy region since the 18th century. Drink Aligote, Barker said, as its the "forgotten grape of Burgundy."
Pop the cork off this Champagne, and you'll pick up on plum, tomato, and apple on the nose and ripe cherries and berries and mushroom on the tongue.
This vineyard is located in a region of Languedoc typically known for Cremants (sparkling wine) or sweet wine. But with this Chardonnay, you'll taste how good a dry fermented wine can be.
The soil in which these grapes are grown in the Loire Valley is made from fossilized seashells and clay wine that allow for the Sauvignon Blanc to have more aging power.
Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Clos Michet Montlouis-sur-Loire Sec 2019
A Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley that's perfect for a lighter dinner; think pasta, salad, or seafood. It's dry with notes of orange zest and orchard fruit.
When you're exploring the Rhone Valley, you've got to try Syrah. This wine will age well, and when you do open it, pair its earthy notes with something classically French, like duck confit.
When you think of the Provence region, it's all about summer vacation, fresh seafood, and a chilled glass of rosé. This wine will take you there without having to leave your home. It's dry and a little acidic with notes of strawberry, peach, and citrus.
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