French AOC Explorer

Grapes: Sciaccarello, Vermentino, Grenache

Western Corsican appellation; peppery, herbal Sciaccarello reds with maquis character.

Grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner

Single-varietal white wines in tall flute bottles; Vosges foothills with diverse terroirs.

Grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat

51 named vineyard sites for four noble grapes; Alsace's pinnacle of terroir expression.

Grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat

Botrytis-affected noble rot wines; Alsace's rarest, most luscious dessert wines.

Grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat

Late-harvest wines with intense fruit concentration; rich yet balanced by Alsatian acidity.

Grapes: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir

Jura's historic capital appellation; diverse reds and oxidative whites including vin jaune.

Grapes: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault

Mourvèdre-dominant reds of great depth; Provence's most age-worthy wines from terraces.

Grapes: Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc

Vin doux naturel from steep seaside terraces; chocolate-rich fortified Grenache wines.

Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Limestone-rich commune within Sauternes producing elegant, honeyed sweet whites.

Grapes: Gamay

Light, fruity Gamay reds from southern Beaujolais; includes Nouveau-style wines.

Grapes: Gamay

38 selected northern villages producing more concentrated, characterful Gamay reds.

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Historic wine capital of Burgundy with 42 Premier Cru sites; elegant, medium-bodied.

Grapes: Braquet, Folle Noire, Rolle

Rare hillside appellation above Nice; unique local grapes produce distinctive wines.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Bordeaux's eastern neighbour along the Dordogne; similar grapes at gentler prices.

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Grand Cru of the Layon; intensely concentrated botrytised sweet Chenin Blanc.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Vast regional appellation producing red, dry white, and rosé wines across the Gironde.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Higher-standard regional Bordeaux with lower yields and longer ageing requirements.

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Broad regional appellation covering red and white wines from across Burgundy.

Grapes: Aligoté

Regional white-only appellation for Burgundy's second white grape, Aligoté.

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Structured Cabernet Franc on tuffeau and gravel; firmer style than neighbouring Chinon.

Grapes: Malbec, Merlot, Tannat

The original Malbec homeland; dark, tannic reds from the Lot valley limestone plateau.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Inner Fronsac enclave with steep slopes producing concentrated, mineral-rich reds.

Grapes: Marsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc

Tiny coastal appellation near Marseille; aromatic white wines with sea-breeze freshness.

Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Small sweet-wine appellation north of Barsac offering lighter, delicate dessert wines.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Cool-climate Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian clay, producing steely, mineral-driven whites.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Seven prestigious Grand Cru vineyards yielding the richest, most complex Chablis.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Legendary Grand Cru vineyard producing some of Burgundy's most intense, complex reds.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

The world's most famous sparkling wine; traditional method on chalk soils in northern France.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Complex whites and underrated reds sharing the Grand Cru hill of Montrachet.

Grapes: Savagnin

Prestigious vin jaune-only appellation; six years under flor yeast in oak barrels.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise

Flagship Southern Rhône appellation on galets roulés; rich, complex, age-worthy reds.

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Premier Loire red appellation; silky Cabernet Franc with violet and raspberry notes.

Grapes: Viognier

Rare white-only appellation producing opulent, apricot-scented Viognier on granite.

Grapes: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Rugged Aude landscape producing robust, herb-scented Mediterranean reds.

Grapes: Syrah

100% Syrah from sun-drenched granite slopes; dark, powerful, and deeply concentrated.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Only red Grand Cru of the Côte de Beaune; powerful wines from a massive hill.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Majestic white Grand Cru on high slopes; intense, long-lived Chardonnay.

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Multi-commune appellation at the edges of the Côte de Nuits; excellent value Pinots.

Grapes: Syrah, Viognier

Steep terraced vineyards producing perfumed, elegant Syrah; the Rhône's northern gem.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Rare still wines from the Champagne region; delicate reds and crisp whites.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Multi-zone appellation uniting Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, and Francs hillside wines.

Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Rolle

France's rosé heartland; pale, dry, and aromatic pink wines dominate production.

Grapes: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir

Regional Jura appellation covering a wide range of styles including vin jaune and crémant.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault

Vast regional appellation spanning the Rhône; fruity, spicy reds dominate production.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Step-up appellation from selected villages with stricter rules and riper fruit.

Grapes: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Traditional-method sparkling wine; France's best-selling Crémant with fine, delicate bubbles.

Grapes: Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne

Largest Northern Rhône appellation surrounding Hermitage; approachable Syrah reds.

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle

Large zone between two rivers producing crisp, aromatic dry white wines.

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Schist-soiled hillside appellation producing mineral, elegant reds with real finesse.

Grapes: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Languedoc's oldest AOC red; split between coastal and mountain terroirs near Corbières.

Grapes: Gamay

The most elegant cru Beaujolais; silky, floral Gamay often called the Queen of Beaujolais.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Hilly Right Bank commune with limestone terroir offering structured, age-worthy reds.

Grapes: Duras, Fer Servadou, Syrah, Mauzac, Len de l'El

Ancient appellation near Albi; indigenous grapes produce distinctive reds and whites.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Largest Côte de Nuits village producing powerful, structured, long-lived Pinot Noir.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Dentelles de Montmirail hillside village producing bold, spicy Grenache-based reds.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Historic appellation south of the city producing both reds and aromatic dry whites.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Southern Médoc zone with gravelly soils and several classified growth estates.

Grapes: Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne

Iconic Northern Rhône hill producing monumental Syrah reds and rich, nutty whites.

Grapes: Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng

Pyrenean white appellation; dry and sweet styles from Manseng grapes with vivid acidity.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Savagnin

Small white-wine appellation named for star-shaped fossils in its limestone soils.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault

Vast Mediterranean appellation; France's largest wine region offering superb value.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Elevated Haut-Médoc commune producing robust, structured reds on limestone plateau.

Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Right-bank sweet wine appellation facing Sauternes across the Garonne river.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Gamay

Southern Burgundy regional wines; fresh Chardonnay and light, fruity reds.

Grapes: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Powerful Tannat-based reds from Pyrenean foothills; robust, tannic, and long-lived.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Largest Haut-Médoc commune, prized for perfumed, silky, and refined red wines.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Northern Médoc peninsula producing structured, Cabernet-dominant red wines.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Rich, buttery Chardonnay from deep limestone soils; one of Burgundy's great whites.

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Sun-drenched hills between Canal du Midi and Montagne Noire; ripe, generous reds.

Grapes: Gamay

Largest cru Beaujolais; structured, earthy wines from decomposed volcanic schist.

Grapes: Gamay

Most powerful cru Beaujolais; manganese-rich soils produce age-worthy, Burgundy-like reds.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Small Haut-Médoc commune offering excellent value reds with firm, ripe tannins.

Grapes: Melon de Bourgogne

Atlantic-influenced white wine; crisp, mineral, and perfect with seafood.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Structured, earthy reds with many excellent Premier Cru vineyards on limestone slopes.

Grapes: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette

Tiny appellation near Aix-en-Provence; just two estates producing complex, ageworthy wines.

Grapes: Nielluccio, Vermentino, Grenache

Corsica's premier appellation on limestone; structured Nielluccio reds and fresh whites.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Home to three first-growth estates; deep gravel terroir producing iconic Cabernet reds.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

Top Graves commune with all classified Graves estates; superb reds and whites alike.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Entry-level Chablis from plateau vineyards; fresh, light, and easy-drinking whites.

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

High-altitude Languedoc site near Montpellier; cooler nights produce fresh, refined reds.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Tiny Right Bank appellation on clay, producing opulent and highly sought-after reds.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Robust, full-bodied reds from iron-rich clay soils on the Côte de Beaune.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Top Mâconnais appellation now with Premier Crus; rich, age-worthy Chardonnay.

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Smoky, flinty Sauvignon Blanc from the opposite bank of Sancerre across the Loire.

Grapes: Chardonnay

Elegant, mineral-driven Chardonnay from the heart of the Côte de Beaune.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

France's rarest rosé appellation; still pink wine from Pinot Noir in the Aube.

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

Dual-terroir appellation with schist in the north and limestone in the south.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

UNESCO-listed Right Bank commune famous for rich, Merlot-based reds on limestone.

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

Higher-tier Saint-Émilion with stricter yields and mandatory tasting approval.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Northernmost Haut-Médoc commune known for powerful, tannic reds with clay-limestone soils.

Grapes: Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne

Extended Northern Rhône appellation; granite-driven reds range from fruity to complex.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Compact commune delivering consistently elegant, balanced Left Bank reds.

Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Hillside sweet white appellation on fossil-rich limestone overlooking the Garonne.

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

Benchmark Sauvignon Blanc on flint and limestone; also fine Pinot Noir reds.

Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay

Tuffeau limestone town producing still and sparkling wines of finesse and freshness.

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Top Loire red from chalky tuffeau plateau; elegant, fruity, age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

Grapes: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

World-renowned sweet wine appellation; botrytis-affected grapes yield golden nectars.

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Powerful, bone-dry Chenin Blanc from schist slopes along the Loire's north bank.

Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah

France's most famous rosé-only appellation; full-bodied, gastronomic pink wines.

Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Neighbouring Gigondas; warm, generous reds with dark fruit and garrigue aromas.

Grapes: Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, Gamay, Pinot Noir

Alpine wine appellation; crisp, mineral whites and light reds from mountain vineyards.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Refined, perfumed Pinot Noir from higher limestone slopes adjacent to Pommard.

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Prestigious village renowned for silky, aromatic Pinot Noir of extraordinary finesse.

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Versatile Chenin Blanc appellation making dry, sweet, and sparkling wines on tuffeau.