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.
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are neighbouring Loire appellations famous for dry Sauvignon Blanc. Their flavours overlap considerably, so producer and site often matter as much as appellation. Sancerre also makes Pinot Noir red and rosé.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape known for apple, pear, citrus and honeyed flavours. It is grown especially in France’s Loire Valley and South Africa, producing dry, sparkling and sweet wines.
Chablis is a northern Burgundy region known for dry white wines made from Chardonnay. Its cool climate and varied vineyard sites produce wines that are typically fresh, citrus-fruited and savoury, with four appellation levels ranging from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru.
Pouilly-Fumé is a dry Centre-Loire Sauvignon Blanc known for citrus, fresh acidity, floral notes and stony or smoky impressions. “Fumé” does not mean smoked, and flint does not directly flavour the wine; these descriptions reflect the combined influence of site, vintage, farming and winemaking.
Sancerre is a Loire Valley appellation in central France, famous for dry Sauvignon Blanc with citrus, orchard fruit and fresh herbal or mineral notes. These styles are shaped by a cool climate and a patchwork of vineyard sites. It also produces smaller amounts of Pinot Noir for red and rosé wines.
Champagne is a sparkling-wine region in north-east France, famous for bottle-fermented wines with fine bubbles, bright acidity and flavours from citrus and apple to brioche and nuts.
Corsica is a Mediterranean island producing fresh whites, elegant reds and fragrant rosés from native grapes, combining mountain freshness with sunny coastal ripeness.
Jura is a small eastern French wine region bordering Switzerland, renowned for Savagnin, Vin Jaune, distinctive oxidative wines, elegant Chardonnay and light, fragrant reds made from native grapes.
Burgundy is an eastern French wine region famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its wines range from crisp Chablis to complex reds and rich whites with flavours of citrus, orchard fruit, red berries and savoury earth.
Merlot is a dark-skinned red grape that often produces smooth, fruit-driven wines with flavours of plum, black cherry and chocolate. It is famous in Bordeaux and widely grown across the world, from California to Chile.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety that typically produces medium-full to full-bodied wines known for blackcurrant flavours, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential. It is famous in Bordeaux and Napa Valley, but is grown throughout the world.
Grape Guide•8 min read
A note worth opening
One useful wine idea, occasionally.
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