French red wine is often seen as the best and most famous in the world, known for its variety, depth of flavor, and high quality. From the cool vineyards of Burgundy to the sunny hills of the Rhône Valley, each region in France brings something unique to the table through its land and winemaking traditions. This guide will take you on a journey through the world of French red wine - exploring its history, top wines by region and grape, perfect food pairings, and more.
A Little History of French Red Wines
The history of French red wine goes back thousands of years, with winemaking in the region dating as far back as the 6th century BC. It was the Romans who helped spread vineyards across ancient Gaul and introduced new grape types and winemaking methods. Over time, France became a true wine country, with regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne gaining worldwide fame for their red wines. Today, France remains a global leader in red wine production and continues to set trends in the wine world.
Best French Red Wines by Region
The French red wines from every region are unique, the locale, the soil, and the way of making it is all different. Here's a closer look at some of the best French red wines by region:
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is considered one of the finest wine regions in France. It's home to centuries-old vineyards and some of the most famous wine estates, known as châteaux. The main grapes used in Bordeaux red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Two standout examples are Chateau Pontet-Canet 2017 and Chateau Malescot Saint Exupery 2018. These wines highlight the classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, offering everything from refined structure to smooth, easy-drinking charm. They perfectly represent what Bordeaux is known for: wines that are complex, well-balanced, and made to age beautifully.
Burgundy
Burgundy is known for its rich winemaking history and world-famous vineyards. The region is celebrated for producing some of the most refined and elegant red wines in France, especially from prestigious estates. Wines like Albert Bichot Domaine du Clos Frantin Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru Les Malconsorts 2021 and Albert Bichot Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Les Sorbets 2018 show the precision and elegance that Burgundy is known for.
What makes Burgundy special is its diverse soils and its focus on Pinot Noir, a grape that truly thrives here. Premier Cru wines from this region are often more delicate and subtle, with a refined character and long finish - qualities that wine lovers around the world deeply appreciate.
Rhône Valley
Located in southeastern France, the Rhône Valley is well-known for producing some of the country’s boldest and most flavorful red wines - especially from the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape area. This region is a favorite among wine lovers thanks to its unique terroir and warm climate, which help create rich, complex wines. One great example is the Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023, a powerful blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes. This wine offers layers of dark berries, spice, and earthy notes, all crafted with care and tradition, much like the wines from Domaine Saint-Préfert. It’s a perfect reflection of the Rhône’s deep, expressive style.
Another standout is the Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape Tradition 2022.. This full-bodied and rich wine is made from old-vine Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. It offers deep layers of flavor, with notes of black cherry, plum, licorice, and herbs, all coming together in a beautifully balanced glass.
These two wines capture the greatness of the Rhone Valley while bearing aging capabilities and the capacity to be paired with all kinds of food.
Provence
Provence, a well-known wine region in southern France, is famous for producing high-quality wines. The area enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate - warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and a mix of different soils - which helps grow excellent Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache grapes. These grapes are the base of Provence’s red wines, known for their rich, layered flavors with hints of fresh berries, herbs, and spices. One great example of the region’s winemaking tradition is the Figuière winery, a family-owned estate that focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly viticulture. Their Figuiere Premiere de Figuiere Red 2023 shows their dedication to quality, offering a smooth and balanced wine with juicy fruit, soft tannins, and a long, elegant finish.
Best French Red Wines by Varietal
Although France has a lot of grape types, some are the best in the red wine domain. Here are some of the best French red wines by varietal:
Pinot Noir
French red Pinot Noir is known for its elegance, depth, and vibrant character. These wines are popular because they pair well with many different kinds of food. They often combine a touch of fruit sweetness with earthy, dry notes, making them both versatile and enjoyable. A great example is the Domaine Tollot-Beaut Beaune Premier Cru Clos du Roi 2018. This wine features rich red fruit flavors, subtle spice, and a smooth, silky texture, perfectly capturing the classic style of French Pinot Noir.
Another excellent example of top-quality Pinot Noir is the Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Les Favières 2021. It offers a bright cherry flavor with a touch of minerality, showing just how delicate and refined French Pinot Noirs can be. Wines like this are a perfect example of why French Pinot Noir is loved by wine drinkers around the world.
Bordeaux Red Blends
French Bordeaux red blends are well known for their full body, complex layers of flavor, and excellent aging potential. Their quality and versatility make them a favorite among winemakers and wine lovers around the world. These blends are usually made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often combined with other grapes to create wines that are rich, smooth, and balanced with tannins and a touch of acidity. One great example is Chateau Meyney 2019. This wine is bold yet well-balanced, offering dark fruit flavors, a hint of quince, and gentle notes of spice. It’s a classic Bordeaux blend that checks all the boxes for a high-quality red wine.
Similarly, Chateau Pontet-Canet 2017 is a great example of Bordeaux’s balance and quality. It offers rich flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle earthy notes. The careful attention to detail and traditional winemaking methods used in Bordeaux are a big part of what makes these wines so special and appealing.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape are celebrated for their rich history, deep flavors, and outstanding quality. The region's unique mix of soils and strict winemaking standards make it one of the most respected wine areas in France, attracting wine lovers from all over the world. A great example is the Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2022, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. It offers layers of red fruit, spice, and a hint of earthiness, perfectly reflecting the region’s character.
Another standout is the Chateau de la Gardine Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Generations Gaston Philippe 2017. This wine shows the area's elegance with its rich bouquet of dark berries and herbs, finishing with a smooth, velvety texture that lingers on the palate.
Gamay
French Gamay wines are known for their bright fruit flavors, light body, and fresh acidity, making them easy to enjoy with everything from casual meals to more refined dishes. These wines often feature notes of red berries, cherries, and subtle spice. A great example is the Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive 2023, which stands out for its structure and flavors of ripe raspberries and violets.
Also an excellent choice is the Albert Bichot Domaine de Rochegrès Moulin-à-Vent 2023, which has a firmer structure, with rich cherry jam notes and a gentle earthy touch.
Both wines show the versatility and charm that make Gamay such a beloved French red.
French Red Wines and Food Pairings
Matching French red wine with the right food can turn an ordinary dinner into a great meal. Here are some classic ideas to consider:
- Bordeaux blends: Pair with grilled steak, roast lamb, or aged cheeses like Roquefort.
- Burgundy Pinot Noir: Enjoy with coq au vin, duck confit, or creamy mushroom risotto.
- Rhône Valley Syrah: Perfect with hearty stews, grilled meats, or game dishes like venison.
- Provence Mourvèdre: Pair with ratatouille, grilled eggplant, or herb-roasted chicken.
- Languedoc-Roussillon reds: Pair with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, or spicy sausage pizza.
Diving into the world of French red wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass - it’s a journey through the soul of France itself. From the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux to the sun-soaked slopes of the Rhône Valley, every bottle uncorks a story of passion, tradition, and artistry passed down through generations. Imagine tasting wine in a centuries-old château, or discovering a hidden gem from a quiet hillside vineyard - each sip offers a glimpse into the culture and craftsmanship that make French reds truly legendary. So here’s to full glasses, bold flavors, and unforgettable experiences.
First time I have used this company and I doubt it will be the last.