French Wine

French wine is at the very heart of the old winemaking world. Wine has been made here since the 6th century BC but really took off during Roman times.

The techniques and grape varieties cultivated in France over the years have influenced the whole winemaking world. Many grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay that are native to France are now grown successfully in countries like Chile and Australia.

French Wine Grape Types

Wine grapes are grown all over France, with certain types flourishing in certain regions. Some of the most important regions and their grape types include:

Bordeaux - Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Burgundy – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Loire – Sauvignon Blanc
Beaujolais – Gamay

The Appellation System

France has one of the oldest systems for protecting the origins of its wines. The Appellation d'origine contrôlée, or AOC, are special laws that dictate where and how wine can be made in specific regions. This preserves the prestige and heritage of the best French wines such as Champagne.

French wine is also produced outside of the appellation system and are known as Vin de France wines. These wines may not have a prestigious label, but working outside the AOC allows winemakers the freedom to experiment with some terrific results.

You can read more on our French wine guide.

The History of French Wine

French Wine Grape Types

The Appellation System

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