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French wine regions produce some of the rarest, most prestigious wines in the world. That’s why the most highly rated restaurants, Michelin Star restaurants included, have a vast selection of French wines on their wine lists. Even compared to Italian and Spanish wine regions, French wine producers have the traditions, craftsmanship, and resources to develop products that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Before we jump into the top French wine regions in all of history, let’s take a quick look at key traits of the country as a whole. Read on for the details!
The Stand-Out Qualities of French Wine Regions
French wines are not to be overlooked! And unless a restaurant business is situated in a winery, or within a major wine region of its country, then imported wines from France should absolutely be on the menu. But why?
See below to discover the stand-out qualities of French wine regions:
- French wine regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne set the standard very high for other growers around the world.
- The terroirs in France cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, as the combination of the country’s climate and soil creates a perfect environment for grapes, and therefore wine.
- Various parts of France have the perfect climate for growing and harvesting grapes.
- French winemakers tend to focus on quality over quantity, making all their wines in smaller batches than other vineyards that may mass produce.
- The appellation system in France ensures safety, quality control, and authenticity from one vineyard to the next.
- Modern techniques and the use of organic products are used across French vineyards.
Now that you know why French wine regions are superior, it’s time to discover the ones that lead the food and beverage industry. Check out the next section for all the details.
9 Most Coveted French Wine Regions
France is the birthplace of some of the finest wines in the world. Whether you’d like to offer customers a bold and complex glass of red wine or a light and bubbly flute of champagne, French wine regions can be the sole source of everything you keep in your restaurant’s wine cellar.
But which French wine regions should be on your radar? Discover the top nine options below:
1. Burgundy
Wine from the Burgundy region of France should make it on every high-end wine list. The wines produced in the region are quite unique, as there isn’t a focus on just one type of terroir. Instead, the vineyards of Burgundy are split up into separate appellations. As a result, local winemakers are able to craft a wide range of products. Speaking of which, if you’d like to source a red wine from Burgundy, you may be interested in the classic Pinot Noir. However, if you’re in the market for white wines, Chardonnay is a great option from the Burgundy region.
2. Bordeaux
Almost everyone has heard of Sauvignon wine. Whether it be red or white, all of these are highly-recognized Bordeaux region wines. Similar to the Burgundy region, Bordeaux is also divided into more than one section. The Left Bank is the area that’s primarily known for Cabernet Sauvignon. Then you have the Right Bank, which is mainly recognized for Merlot wines. From one side to the other, all of Bordeaux’s wines are bold, powerful, and have stellar aging potential. It’s also worth noting that blending grape varietals is popular in the Bordeaux wine region.
3. Champagne
Of all the sparkling wines, champagne is by far the most popular of all. So, it’s no wonder that it stems from a region of the same name. Meanwhile, the Champagne region in France is more well-known than anywhere else in the world for its method of secondary fermentation in the bottles, creating the carbonation. Plus, the region’s cool climate and chalky soil allows for the production of crisp wines with high acid profiles. That’s why a glass of French champagne is always so refreshing.
4. Loire Valley
When you have a wine region that spans as many climates as the Loire Valley, you end up with a diverse wine selection. While it’s known for its crisp white wines like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, it’s also renowned for red varieties, including Cabernet Franc. Amidst creating these classics that pair with any food menu, many French dessert wines also come from the Loire Valley.
5. Provence
As the birthplace of rosé, it should come as no surprise that the region of Provence is still known for it. The rosé wines that come from Provence are often light yet dry, and very aromatic. Consumers can expect to taste notes of citrus, herbs, and red berries. All of these flavors stem from grapes that are grown in a Mediterranean climate.
6. Alsace
When you think of white wine, you likely imagine beverages that are light and fruity. But in the region of Alsace, wine producers are known for crafting white wines that are on the dryer side. Alsace also sits right on the border between France and Germany, so there’s a great deal of German influence on the wines created here. Some of the most sought-after wines from Alsace include Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling.
7. Languedoc
In southern France, you’ll find the diverse region of Languedoc. It is here that many affordable French wines are created, despite them being of high quality. Even though Languedoc has an extensive history when it comes to winemaking methods, nearby vineyards have been gaining traction in recent years. This uphill climb in popularity is mainly due to the region’s production of organic and biodynamic wines.
8. Rhône Valley
Like other French wine regions that made this list, the Rhône Valley is divided between the north and the south. The northern portion of the Rhône Valley is especially known for Syrah-based reds and whites like Condrieu. On the flipside, the southern portion of the Rhône Valley is recognized primarily for blends, like the Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
9. Corsica
As an island in the Mediterranean, wines from the region of Corsica tend to have similarities to those from coastal Italian wine regions. Some of the region's white wines, like the Vermentino, are typically aromatic with lighter sensorial characteristics. Meanwhile, the reds produced in Corsica, such as the Nielluccio, have a classic Mediterranean, full-bodied flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Wine Regions
Every wine enthusiast has their fair share of knowledge surrounding various French wines. But are they familiar with the leading wine regions of France as a restaurant owner or master sommelier should be?
Regardless of your role during the dining experience, the following FAQ section should be able to answer some final questions pertaining to French wine regions. Read on to gain some additional insight on the topic!
What Are the Top Wine Regions of France?
The top wine regions in France are:
- Burgundy
- Bordeaux
- Champagne
- Loire Valley
- Provence
- Alsace
- Languedoc
- Rhône
- Corsica
While these nine wine regions in France are where the bulk of French wines come from, there are other production hubs throughout the country. But if you’re in the market for trustworthy options, especially when building the wine list for a high-end restaurant, these French wine regions will serve you–and your customers–quite well.
What Is the Most Famous Wine Region In France?
The most famous wine region in France is Bordeaux. However, regions like Burgundy and Champagne are not too far behind. Situated on the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux wine producers export their products to various regions across the world. The quality of wines made in Bordeaux is exceptional, making it a favorable option to offer, even in other nations that are home to their own leading wine regions.
What Are the Different Types of French Wines?
The different types of French wines include Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah among many others. France is home to a diverse selection of grape varieties, which produce a wide range of wines. Among these types of wines, you’ll find key distinctions in aromas, flavors, and acidity levels. Not only are these wine varieties popular across France but in numerous other countries around the world.
What Is the Difference Between Burgundy and Bordeaux?
Bordeaux’s climate is coastal and oceanic, which helps produce full-bodied wines with ideal acidity, color, and complex structure. Meanwhile, Burgundy’s climate is continental, allowing for the production of wines with subtle flavors and aromas. The distinctions between both regions revolve around two entirely different environments that lead to unique wines. After all, that’s why both areas are so famous in their own right.
Why Are French Wines So Luxurious?
French wines are so luxurious due to the top-tier quality control, extensive history of winemaking traditions, and the superb terroirs of France. By combining all three of these factors, French wine regions are the birthplace of some of the best wines on the market. With this being said, it’s also commonplace to find options from France on the wine list of any fine dining establishment.
From Bordeaux to Your Door: Use BinWise to Track Wine Inventory
Wine sales, pour cost, shrinkage, and many other factors can be overwhelming to regularly monitor. But with BinWise, it has never been easier to take inventory within a wine cellar. Therefore, sourcing and tracking bottles of wine from the best French wine regions–and beyond–has never been a simpler task. Would you like to get started and begin improving your wine selection? Book a demo to learn all about the BinWise platform!