Things You Need to Know About French Wine

France is currently the second-largest wine-producing country on Earth (after Italy), creating more than six billion bottles, on average, each year. The relatively unprestigious Languedoc-Roussillon pumps out the biggest quantities, mostly for domestic consumption, but map out the regions by reputation and suddenly (and arguably) Bordeaux moves up to No. 1, followed by Burgundy.

• Languedoc-Roussillon 528,000 Acres
• Bordeaux 306,000 Acres
• Rhône Valley 188,700 Acres
• Loire Valley 158,000 Acres
• Burgundy 125,000 Acres
• Champagne 75,000 Acres
• Alsace 34,000 Acres

White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec

A closer look at Bordeaux wine

© Theo Morrison

White Wines: Chardonnay
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Gamay (in Beaujolais)

A closer look at Burgundy Wine

© Theo Morrison

White Wines: Chardonnay
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

A closer look at the Champagne region

White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne
Red Wines: Cabernet Franc, Cot (Malbec)

A closer look at the Loire Valley

Courtesy of Terlato Wines

White Wines: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc
Red Wines: Pinot Noir

A closer look at Alsace

© Theo Morrison

White Wines: Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne
Red Wines: Grenache, Syrah, Carignane, Cinsaut

A closer look at Languedoc-Roussillon

© Theo Morrison

White Wines: Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
Red Wines: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

A closer look at the Rhône Valley

French Pairings

Burgundy Pairings

Bordeaux Pairings