It’s hard to list the best-known wines in France, given the sheer number of appellations… Here’s a list of 5 of the wines with the most evocative names, whether they’re popular or more confidential.

Champagne

Let’s not forget that Champagne is first and foremost a wine, but an effervescent wine (as opposed to “still” wines). Champagne is undoubtedly the best-known French drink, both internationally and in France. Proof of this is the fact that estimates for 2021 point to sales of almost 300 million bottles. A prestigious appellation, Champagne enhances the table on occasions large and small. A number of major brands have been making a name for themselves over the past few decades, from
Moët et Chandon
à
Taittinger
to
Veuve Clicquot
. And let’s not forget the lesser-known brands, which are just as committed to quality…

Chablis

One of Burgundy’s best-known AOCs, Chablis is a Chardonnay-based white wine produced from a 4,000-hectare vineyard. Please note that the generic appellation Chablis actually covers several appellations: Chablis, Petit Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru. The distinction is made on the basis of well-defined parcels and specific specifications. Easy to match, Chablis is the perfect accompaniment to fish in sauce. The different appellations allow all budgets to savor the unique minerality of this wine.

Saint Emilion

Created in 1936, the AOC ” Saint Emilion ” and “Saint Emilion Grand Cru”, located in Libourne, is one of Bordeaux’s legendary appellations. Composed mainly of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Saint Emilion is a powerful, robust, tannic red wine with good ageing potential. A classification distinguishes generic Saint Emilion from grand cru, grand cru classé or premier grand cru classé. Prices can vary from simple to double (or even triple!) depending on the vintage, but Saint Emilions are wines you can trust, recognized for their high quality and unique personality.

Côtes-de-Provence

Côtes-de-Provence… a name synonymous with vacations, sunshine… in short, summer and barbecues! In fact,AOC Côtes-de-Provence rosé is one of the most popular wines consumed during the summer vacations, as it is renowned for being inexpensive and perfectly suited to poolside aperitifs or barbecues. In recent years, the appellation has undergone a revival, driven by passionate growers who have made a name for themselves with their organic or integrated viticulture and rethought winemaking methods. Because yes, rosé is a real wine, and one that’s easy to access and enjoy at any time of day!

Beaujolais nouveau

A tradition dating back to 1951, Beaujolais Nouveau is marketed every year on the third Thursday in November and is made from the last grape harvest. A huge commercial success in the 1970s, Beaujolais Nouveau gradually fell into disuse, due to poor quality and degrading industrial production. In recent years, a new generation of winemakers has been revitalizing the image of this festive, affordable wine. Excellent bottles at low prices make it possible to share a convivial moment, around a charcuterie board or tapas, or even a meal for a change of habits!

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