The best French red wines to try

The best French red wines to try

France has been producing wine for centuries, and today French wine is renowned for being some of the absolute best in the world. And for good reason, too. Centuries of growing experience and an incredibly varied climate have allowed French vineyards and wineries to perfect their craft.

Red, white, rosé, Champagne… France produces nearly 3,000 different types of wine! Each region has its own specialties, and each wine production area is strictly controlled to protect the quality of each bottle. But that being said, the vast selection can be a little overwhelming. So here’s my insider’s guide to the best French red wines to try.

Cahors

The town of Cahors is located in the Southwest of France and is one of the country’s most historic wine-growing regions. Many of the vines were originally planted by the Romans, around 50 B.C.

Cahors is made with three grape varieties, Malbec, Tannat, and Merlot, giving it a deep red color. Some say it’s the darkest wine in the world! This full-bodied, relatively fruity wine pairs especially well with aged cheeses, red meats, and earthy foods such as mushrooms.

The wine produced here is known as Cahors AOP and is part of a protected growing region that is controlled and regulated by the French government. You’ll notice that an AOP or AOC label can be found on many French products, such as wine, meat, and cheese.

Côte de Beaune

Hailing from the Burgundy region of France, Côte de Beaune is a lesser-known but delightful red wine, similar to the regions’ Pinot Noir. But in my experience, it’s nearly always the smaller villages and and wineries that produce the best French red wines to try.

Côte de Beaune wine is a light ruby color, and the earthy, slightly fruity flavor is pronounced yet well-rounded. This balanced character makes it an excellent choice to pair with grilled meats or a sumptuous roast.

Languedoc

A region long revered for its food and wine, sunny Languedoc-Roussillon has the perfect climate for growing, well, just about anything. Situated along France’s southern coast, the Mediterranean climate is perfect for all sorts of grape varieties.

Languedoc is home to Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cinsault, and Merlot grape varieties – just to name a few! The excellent red wines produced here are generally a deep blue-red in color with a well-balanced taste, hovering perfectly between sweet and dry. These wines best compliment local cuisine, so think salade Niçoise, Ratatouille, etc.

Saint-Emilion

Now Saint-Emilion is one of my absolute favorite French red wines and one I definitely recommend every wine-lover to try. While you’ll find Saint-Emilion on the wine list at just about any upscale French restaurant, it hails from a specific protected area (AOC) in the Bordeaux region.

Saint-Emilion is made with predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties, which creates its rich, tannic, and earthy taste. This is generally an excellently balanced wine; perfect to accompany grilled meats, game, or any kind of cheese.

Brouilly

Hailing from the Burgundy region towards the center of the country, the fruity Brouilly is actually part of the smaller Beaujolais wine area. Despite the Beaujolais Nouveau often earning a bad rap, the growing region produces many other kinds of excellent wine. Most notably Brouilly, which has slowly but surely transformed the area’s reputation over the decades. This is definitely one of the best French red wines to try. 

Flavorful and fruity, a good Brouilly is deep ruby red in color and features notes of blackcurrant. This fruity profile makes it a perfect pairing with soft rind cheeses such as Camembert and Reblochon, charcuterie is a great bet too. Now you’ve got all the makings for a real French apéro. 

Châteauneuf du Pape

Perhaps the most well-known on my guide to the best French red wines to try is the iconic Châteauneuf du Pape. Certainly one of the most famous French red wines around the world, perhaps because Châteauneuf du Pape was actually the first ever French wine appellation to be created back in 1936.

Hailing from France’s southern Mediterranean climate, Châteauneuf du Pape is a very well-rounded and rather mild red wine that pairs well with… Well,  just about anything! From grilled meats to shellfish to fish, cheeses, charcuteries – all of these are a match made in heaven. 

Côtes du Rhône Villages

Often described as one of the best wine growing regions in the entire world, the Côtes du Rhône Villages was sure to make it onto this list. Located in the Southeast portion of France, the climate’s sunny weather and rich soils make it ideal for wine growing, and the result is unlike any other French red wine.

The Grenache grape variety is most commonly used in Côtes du Rhône Villages, but other varieties can also be present. Overall, the flavor is fresh and crisp, with an almost floral accent.  This wine pairs especially well with French cheeses, from soft rind to aged, hard rind types. 

So cheers, or rather santé!