Keen to spread your wine wings to France? Get to know these top new releases and the regions they hail from.
If you’re new to the wines of France, it can be easy to assume they all cost a bomb and you need to be an expert to understand them. But the good news is that France’s diverse wine regions (there’s 17 all up) produce brilliant drops across all sorts of approachable prices and styles. Forget about grasping the Cru classifications of Burgundy and Bordeaux – there shouldn’t be any barriers when it comes to enjoying French wine.
Still, if the idea of navigating these wines is a little intimidating, the best thing to do is start tasting them. Could be worse, right? And when it comes to choosing accessible French wines – with prices to match – some regions are better than others. For this reason, we’ve rounded up five of the best new releases to take you on a tour, from the Loire Valley in the west to the Rhône Valley in the south – and all under $50, too. Beware, though, as they might just send you down the never-ending rabbit hole of French wine.
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1. A Rhône red blend
The wine: Paul Jaboulet Côtes du Rhône Organic
The Rhône, stretching south from the centre of France almost to the Mediterranean Sea, is synonymous with great syrah (known as shiraz here in Australia), as well as its famed grenache blends, as seen in this organic wine. From producer Paul Jaboulet, this release combines grenache, mourvèdre, carignan and syrah, among others, and it's an excellent reflection of what the region does best. Expect powerful fruity aromas and a complex palate and structure, which all pairs beautifully with aged hard cheeses and muscatels.
2. Gamay with a twist
The wine: Mommessin Saint Amour Beaujolais
Responsible for some of France’s prettiest red wines, the Beaujolais region is home to the gamay grape, and reds from here are often so fresh and vibrant they are prime contenders for being served chilled. This wine, however, is a richer, more complex example of this grape variety, with black fruit aromas that mingle with spice, dark chocolate and cherry brandy flavours. A charcuterie plate would be right at home alongside this drop, as would heavier meals, including creamy chicken and mushroom dishes.
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3. Underrated chenin blanc
The wine: Famille Bougrier Confidences Vouvray
France’s Loire Valley is celebrated for its bright whites and reds, and this wine – from long-time family winery Famille Bougrier (six generations and counting) – is a lovely expression of chenin blanc. If you’re yet to discover this grape variety and its many styles, this crisp wine strikes a balance between fresh acidity and rich fruit flavours, ranging from apple to peach. The Loire is also renowned for its goat’s cheese, so it’s no surprise that chenin works a treat with soft cheeses, but it’s equally delicious with the likes of roast pork and apple sauce.
4. Intense sauvignon blanc
The wine: Patient Cottat Sancerre Anciennes Vignes
As one of the best-known appellations for sauvignon blanc in France, Sancerre in the east of the Loire Valley has long built a reputation for producing rich, full-flavoured white wines. This sauvignon blanc in the Anciennes Vignes series is a case in point, with its full, rounded palate and muscat-like notes of passionfruit, and lychee and honey flavours. If you're still yet to hit your quota of seafood this summer, this wine demands to be served with a platter of fresh-cooked prawns.
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5. Elegant sauvignon blanc
The wine: Patient Cottat Pouilly-Fumé Anciennes Vignes
If you’re starting to find your inner wine geek while exploring these French wines, you might be intrigued to line up this sauvignon blanc against the Sancerre above to spot the differences in a tasting with friends. This expression from the famed Pouilly-Fumé region is a classic dry style with hints of minerality and a smokiness that comes from the flinty soils. It’s full of candied pineapple, peach and mango flavours, with an elegant acidity running through its core. Serve it with aged cheeses for a perfect match.
