Criss-cross France’s fabulously diverse landscape, from the banks of Bordeaux to the sun-drenched hills of Provence, and the wines are as varied as the land.
Moreover, spin the wine wheel and no matter where the cork lands, the country is a goldmine for wine – with more than 10 major regions, plains of verdant vineyards, and a haven for the styles we love to sip again… and again.
Offering unparalleled variety at every level, here’s a petite tasting tour from some of its best-loved spots…
1. Co-op Irresistible Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023, France, £10.65, Co-op, in-store
Provençal pinks have taken the world by storm, and in the ever-expanding aisle of own-label rosé wines, this charmer from Co-op has the edge. Deliciously fresh with fragrant, peachy notes and summer fruit flavours, finishing crisp and dry with good concentration, it’s a star match with salad niçoise.
2.Gabriel Meffre Saint-Vincent Côtes du Rhone Blanc 2024, France, £11, Waitrose Cellar
There’s more to the Rhône Valley than its red wines (which we’ll come to), and the warm, southern Rhône produces beautiful white blends such as this deliciously rounded style with soft, fleshy fruit. Offering a melange of flavours, from apricot, to pear and peach, with a fresh, citrusy finish, it’s a perfect aperitif.
3. Flores Picpoul de Pinet 2023, Languedoc, France, £12.99, Virgin Wines
France’s largest wine producing region, the Languedoc-Roussillon grows a wide range of grape varieties – and picpoul the go-to, seafood loving, summer sipper for ice buckets. Crisp and refreshing, picpoul translates to ‘lip stinger’ – and this one stands out for its citrusy, Mediterranean freshness, nuances of white fruit, saline tang and bright acidity. One for half-a-dozen oysters.
4. Louis Jadot Cellier Du Valvan Chablis 2023, Burgundy, France, £25, Ocado
Chablis gifts us with one of the most captivating chardonnays in the world, and this famous producer turns out some of the best. Impressive from start to finish, and unadulterated by oak, there’s a wonderful purity and elegance to the stone fruit flavours, characteristic stony minerality, delicate floral aromas, and lasting finish. Class in a glass.
5. Waitrose Reserve Claret 2022, Bordeaux, France, £7.25, Waitrose
Undoubtedly the red wine capital of the world, Bordeaux blesses us with some of the greatest and most sought-after labels – but beyond the eye-watering prices, it also delivers at entry level. Take this well-crafted claret for example, which opens up with enticing blackcurrant aromas, smooth cherry and plummy fruit, and seamless finish. Think rotisserie chicken and pommes frites.
6. Vignerons De Bel Air Beaujolais Villages 2023, France, £15.99, Laithwaites
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A brilliant Bojo (as its fondly referred), the gorgeous gamay grape with its easy drinking charms and bright cherry fruit is enjoying a revival in wine circles – and easy to see why. Immediately inviting with notes of juicy summer berries galore, underlined by dark cherries and ripe raspberries in a fruit forward style, this bottle can be popped in the fridge half-an-hour before serving – and enjoyed lightly chilled. Perfect with a platter of charcuterie.
7. M Chapoutier ‘Les Moniers’ Crozes-Hermitage 2022, France, £21 (£15 Mix Six), Majestic
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Famous for its stand-out reds, the northern Rhône is home to syrah (shiraz), and this celebrated producer proves the quality of his Crozes-Hermitage can be just as impressive as those from its pricier, more illustrious neighbour, Hermitage – central to Chapoutier’s flagship wines. Awarded 95 points by the IWC (International Wine Challenge|) this perfumed, spice-edged, fruit forward and layered syrah with subtle hints of herbs and silky tannins is worth splashing for. Santé!
Dining and Cooking