Explore
Discover France, one of the world's most influential wine-producing countries, home to iconic regions and styles ranging from Champagne and Burgundy to Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley and beyond.
Rosé Champagne is sparkling wine from Champagne with a pink colour, made by blending still red Champagne wine into white base wines or by macerating black grapes. Most bottles taste dry; check the sweetness category on the label.
Both are white Champagnes: Blanc de Blancs uses white grapes, usually Chardonnay; Blanc de Noirs uses Pinot Noir, Meunier or both. The first can feel citrus-led and fine, the second broader and fruitier, though bottles overlap.
Blanc de Noirs Champagne is white Champagne made exclusively from black-skinned grapes, usually Pinot Noir, Meunier or both. It often has more body and ripe-fruit character, but its exact style depends on the wine.
Pinot Meunier is a red grape best known for adding supple fruit and roundness to Champagne, especially in the Marne Valley. It also makes fresh sparkling wines and occasional juicy reds.
Beaujolais is a wine region north of Lyon, known for dry Gamay reds with bright fruit and fresh acidity. Styles range from youthful Beaujolais Nouveau to the 10 crus, including fragrant Fleurie and more structured Morgon.
Mondeuse is a red grape from Savoie in eastern France, known for fresh acidity, dark berries, violet and pepper. Its structured, characterful wines are especially associated with Arbin, a Savoie cru, and pair naturally with savoury food.
Pinot Grigio, also called Pinot Gris, makes whites ranging from crisp pear-and-citrus styles to rich, spiced wines. Northern Italy and Alsace are famous sources, offering refreshing everyday bottles and textured wines for food.
Savoie is a small, scattered wine region in eastern France, best known for crisp Jacquère whites, aromatic Altesse and peppery Mondeuse reds, often shaped by Alpine slopes and cool conditions.
Muscadet is a dry white wine from the Loire Valley near Nantes, made from Melon de Bourgogne. It is usually fresh and lively, with citrus, orchard fruit and sometimes a saline finish.
Fresh white wine describes a lively style, not one grape. Try Muscadet, Picpoul, Vermentino, Godello or dry Riesling for different expressions, from lean and citrusy to aromatic and textured.
Off-dry Chenin Blanc is our best all-round recommendation for pumpkin. For specific dishes, try Chardonnay with roasted pumpkin, off-dry Riesling with pumpkin pancakes, textured Pinot Grigio with gnocchi and Pinot Noir with savoury spiced pumpkin.
Chablis is Chardonnay, so they are not opposing wines. Chablis is a specific regional expression of Chardonnay from northern Burgundy; explore the broader world of Chardonnay for everything from similarly crisp wines to richer, oakier expressions.
Second Glass
Second Glass writes about wine. Please confirm you are old enough to view alcohol-related content in your location.
Please drink responsibly.