What is a Good French Red Wine?

There are few things more satisfying than sitting down to a good meal with a great glass of wine. But what makes a wine great? Is it the price tag? The region it comes from? The grape varietal?

This article will explore what makes a French red wine suitable and how you can find the best bottles for your palate and budget.

Then we will explore the different grape varietals used in French red wine and the regions they come from. We will also touch on some of the most famous French red wines and what makes them so unique.

So whether you are a beginner or a seasoned oenophile, read on to learn more about good French red wine.

How to know what is a good French red wine

When it comes to wine, the term “good” is subjective. One person’s idea of good wine may be different from another’s.

However, certain objective factors can make a wine good or bad. These include the grape variety, the terroir (the combination of climate and soil where the grapes are grown), and the winemaking technique.

Choose a wine that was produced in the winery’s area. The grapes were grown, and the wine was created under the winery’s authority, so specific wineries have a good reputation.

How to find the best bottles of French red wine for your palate and budget

Good French wine

It is essential to know what kind of wine you like before shopping for French red wine. For example, do you prefer a light-bodied wine or a full-bodied wine? Do you like your wines fruity or earthy?

Once you know what style of wine you prefer, you can narrow down your search.

Another thing to consider when buying wine is the price. Not all expensive wines are good, and not all cheap wines are bad. However, it is vital to find good value for your money. It’s also important to know what are different types of red wine.

For example, there are many great bottles of French red wine available for around $20 or less.

Food pairings that go well with French red wines

There are many different types of French red wines, which means many other food pairings go well with them. For example, for a lighter-bodied wine, try pairing it with fish or poultry.

For a full-bodied wine, try pairing it with beef or lamb. And for fruity wine, try pairing it with fruit-based desserts or dishes. Look below for more specific information about what pair with each wine.

The most popular grape varietals used in French red wines

Food pairing with French red wine

Bordeaux

Bordeaux wines are some of the most famous and sought-after wines globally.

They come from the Bordeaux region of France and are made from a blend of different grape varietals.

The climate there is temperate, and the soil is a mix of clay and gravel. This combination of factors results in rich, complex wines with dark fruit, tobacco, and oak flavors.

The most popular grape varietals used in Bordeaux red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir 

Burgundy, or Bourgogne in French, is a region in eastern France known for its world-famous red wines. One of the most popular grape varietals grown in Burgundy is Pinot Noir.

The climate there is cool and rainy, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in delicate, fruity Pinot Noir wines with cherry, raspberry, and earth flavors.

The most popular producers of Bourgogne Pinot Noir red wines are Domaine de la Romanee-Conti or Armand Rousseau.

Bandol

Bandol is a small appellation in southeastern France that produces some of the country’s most distinctive red wines.

The climate here is warm and dry, and the soil is mostly limestone with some clay. This combination of factors results in robust, full-bodied wines with dark fruit, spice, and earth flavors.

The most famous grape varietal grown in Bandol is Mourvedre. However, wines from this region can also be made from a blend of different grape varietals, including Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

Côte Rôtie

Cote Rotie vineyard

The Côte Rôtie region is located in the Rhône Valley of southeastern France. It is known for its world-class Syrah red wines.

The climate here is warm and dry, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in big, bold Syrah wines with dark fruit, pepper, and spice flavors.

The most popular producers of Côte Rôtie Syrah red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

St Joseph

The St Joseph region is located in the northern Rhône Valley of France. It is known for its world-class Syrah red wines.

The climate here is warm and dry, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in big, bold Syrah wines with dark fruit, pepper, and spice flavors.

The most popular producers of St Joseph Syrah red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

Chinon

Chinon is a region located in the Loire Valley of France. It is known for its high-quality Cabernet Franc red wines.

The climate is excellent and rainy, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in delicate, fruity Cabernet Franc wines with cherry, raspberry, and earth flavors.

The most popular producers of Chinon Cabernet Franc red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

Bourgueil

Bourgueil is a region located in the Loire Valley of France. It is known for its high-quality Cabernet Franc red wines.

The climate here is cool and rainy, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in delicate, fruity Cabernet Franc wines with cherry, raspberry, and earth flavors.

The most popular producers of Bourgueil Cabernet Franc red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

Cahors

The Cahors region is located in the southwest of France. It is known for its high-quality Malbec red wines.

The climate here is warm and dry, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in big, bold Malbec wines with dark fruit, pepper, and spice flavors.

The most popular producers of Cahors Malbec red wines are Chateau de Chambert, Clos du Caillou, and Chateau des Ducs.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais harvest

The Beaujolais region is located in the north of France. It is known for its high-quality Gamay red wines.

The climate here is cool and rainy, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in delicate, fruity Gamay wines with cherry, raspberry, and earth flavors.

The most popular producers of Beaujolais Gamay red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

Languedoc region wines

The Languedoc region is located in the south of France. It is known for its high-quality red wines made from different grape varietals, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre.

The climate here is warm and dry, and the soil is composed of limestone and clay. This combination of factors results in big, bold red wines with dark fruit, pepper, and spice flavors.

The most popular producers of Languedoc red wines are Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Guigal, and Chapoutier.

Last thoughts

These are just some of the many great French red wines available. With so many different regions and grape varietals to choose from, there’s sure to be a French red wine perfect for you.

With this guide about what is a good French red wine and what is a great tasting red wine you are ready. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring today!

FAQ

What is the most famous French wine?

The most famous French wine is probably Champagne, which is made in the Champagne region of France.

However, there are many other great French wines to explore, including red wines from the Côte Rôtie, St Joseph, Chinon, Bourgueil, Cahors, Beaujolais, and Languedoc regions.

What is the most full-bodied French red wine?

The most full-bodied French red wine is probably a Côte Rôtie from the Rhône Valley. These wines are made from the Syrah grape and are known for their big, bold flavors.

Is Pinot Grigio French or Italian?

Pinot Grigio is an Italian wine grape. However, the grape is also grown in France, and French Pinot Grigio wines can be delicious.

What French wine is like Zinfandel?

A French wine that is similar to Zinfandel is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines blend Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes and are known for their big, bold flavors.

What is the difference between Merlot and Chianti?

Merlot is a grape varietal, while Chianti is a wine made from the Sangiovese grape. As a result, merlot wines are typically light and fruity, while Chianti wines are more tannic and earthy.

What type of wine do French people drink?

The French drink various wine types, but red wines are the most popular. French red wines come from many different regions.

They are made from multiple grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.