Wine Regions in France

France and wine go hand in hand. At the store, at a restaurant, or at home searching for a bottle of wine? It’s highly likely that you’ll find a wine region in France on one of the labels. There are vineyards scattered throughout the country. And it’s responsible for producing up to 8 billion bottles each year.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or you’re new to the wine world, you’ll likely recognize at least a few wine regions in France, like Bordeaux and Champagne. True, France comes behind other wine regions, such as Spain. But France produces over 3,000 different wines from roughly 2 million hectares of vineyards.

At its core, France can be divided into the northern vineyards and southern vineyards. The northern vineyards are responsible for French white wines, while the southern are more well-known for French red wines.

France has a lot to offer the wine world. It’s time to fill up your favorite wine glass (bonus if it’s with French wine!) and take a deeper look at wine regions in France.

Bordeaux

Located on the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux produces one of the most famous French wines. It has a temperate climate with over 60 distinct areas.

In general, this wine region in France produces red wines — roughly 89 percent, to be exact. Most of the red wines that come from Bordeaux are from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Some smaller amounts come from Malbec and Petit Verdot grapes.

As for white wines in the region, you can expect mainly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape varieties.

 

Burgundy

Also known as Bourgogne, this eastern wine region produces equal amounts of red and white wines. It boasts 100 miles of land, a moderate climate, and limestone soils. These qualities all allow for its famous and nuanced wine variations.

For red wines, Burgundy produces primarily Pinot Noirs. For whites, it is famous for Chardonnays. This wine region, particularly in Côte d’Or, also produces some of the most prestigious (and expensive) wines in the world.

 

Alsace

Alsace is located in the foothills of the Rhine valley beneath the Vosges mountains. It has one of the oldest and most beautiful wine routes. Wine travelers from all walks of life enjoy visiting here.

Alsace is also a region full of German tradition. This means that it produces mostly dry and fruity white wines, like the Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner.

Wines from Alsace tend to be more affordable than other French wines, but they are no less delicious. For instance, the Riesling is dry with mineral nuances any wine lover will love.

 

Champagne

Most people have heard of Champagne — but many don’t realize it’s actually a region in France. Located close to Belgium and Luxembourg, Champagne is the furthest north and coldest of the French wine regions. It has chalky soils that provide an excellent environment for the sparkling wines that people know and love.

Champagne produces two types of wine. Vintage champagnes contain wines from the same harvest, while non-vintage champagnes are a blend of wines from a variety of years.

Grape varieties used in Champagne include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Rhone Valley

Also known as Côtes du Rhône, the Rhone valley is divided by the Rhone River. This wine region in France is actually more well-known for how much wine it produces rather than the quality of the wine.

Still, it is famous for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, which is a highly regarded wine area. The Rhone Valley’s most recognizable grape variety is the Syrah, which produces smoky and meaty wines. It also uses varieties like the Viognier and Grenache.

 

Languedoc-Roussillon

Located along the Mediterranean coast, this wine region may be the most underrated wine region in France. This is because it makes up more than a third of the country’s entire wine production.

Languedoc-Roussillon is known for reds and rosés (which are a blend of wine varieties like Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault). The region produces plenty of fortified sweet wines, as well as some delectable sparkling wines.

 

Loire Valley

Full of some of the most scenic vineyards anywhere in France (along with some unforgettable castles), the Loire Valley is in the northwest part of France. It has limestone-rich soils perfect for its many Sauvignon Blanc vineyards.

Loire Valley wines come in a wide variety, ranging from dry to sweet, as well as lighter whites and sparkling wines. Still, the region is most famous for white wines like the Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet.

 

Provence

Hidden away on the southeastern coast of the country, Provence is located at the southern end of the Rhone valley and is rich in vineyards. Wine has been produced in this wine region in France for over 2,600 years, giving it the title of the oldest destination of all the French wine regions.

Provence is also a region that has the perfect hot, dry climate for its large production of rosés, which are fruity with crisp acidity.

Beaujolais

Just south of Burgundy, Beaujolais is famous for Gamay vineyards. It contains very fertile soil because of the Nizerand River, providing plenty of flavor in its wines.

This wine region is largely known for the Gamay Noir, with its fruity aromas and flavors of the forest.

 

Corsica

Corsica is actually an island that is under French rule, but it produces French wines, nonetheless. Its proximity to Tuscany can be tasted in its wines.

In Corsica, there are vineyards full of Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Barbarossa — all growing alongside one another. Fine wines, like Patrimonio and Ajaccio, are also produced in this wine region in France.

 

Choosing Your Next French Wine

Are you searching for a gift for a wine-lover, getting ready for your next wine tasting, or deciding what to put in your favorite wine decanter? Getting to know the wine regions in France is a great place to start.

Try starting with the more famous Champagne, or go for the lesser-known Corsica region. Either way, when it comes to French wines, you’ll be sure to find a wine you love.

 

Which French wine region is your favorite?

 

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