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Explore beginner-friendly guides to the world's most important wine regions. Learn how different terroirs influence grapes and wine, where they grow best, and which foods they pair with.
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.
Piedmont, in north-west Italy, is famous for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. Its wines range from fragrant, tannic reds to crisp whites and gently sparkling Moscato.
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.
France's Loire Valley stretches from the Atlantic inland. Expect crisp Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with styles ranging from bone-dry to sweet and sparkling.
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.
Germany's Mosel is renowned for steep slate vineyards producing elegant Riesling with vibrant acidity, citrus, stone fruit and remarkable ageing potential, ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet.
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