France certainly produces the best wines in the world. That’s why it is often considered an oenophile’s paradise. But given the large number of French wine appellations, it is not always easy to find your way around. We have selected for you the 10 most popular French wine appellations in the world.
Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion is one of the best-known French wine appellations. It is recognized by its refinement and prestige. Note that Saint-Emilion encompasses 4 appellations which are Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion grand cru, AOC Lussac Saint-Emilion and AOC Pusseguin Saint-Emilion. You can find them on millesima-usa.com.
Pomerol
This small Bordeaux wine region produces popular and well-appreciated red wines. It uses many grape varieties in order to make different notes and tastes. Nonetheless, Merlot remains the most used grape variety of Pomerol.
Chambolle-Musigny
This French appellation comes from Burgundy and it includes 25 Premier Cru designations and other fine wines. Chambolle-Musigny wines are mainly made of Pinot Noir. They are classy and delicate at the same time.
Graves
This appellation comes from the gravels bordering the Garonne. It includes several sub-appellations such as AOC Graves-blanc, AOC Graves-superiors, AOC Graves-de-Vayres. The Graves are balanced, gourmet and affordable Bordeaux wines.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau is another emblematic appellation of Bordeaux. A red wine in this category should be drunk young or within two years at the most. A Beaujolais Nouveau is generally a good and inexpensive French wine.
Chablis
It is undoubtedly the most popular appellation of Burgundy for its white wines. Some people call white wine in general Chablis. Be careful to decipher the label well so as not to be mistaken during the tasting. Click here to know more about this.
Sancerre
Sancerre is in the Loire Valley, a region that produces dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wines of this French appellation stand out for their mineral notes and their freshness.
Pouilly-Fuissé
Here is another great Burgundy white to taste absolutely with shellfish or pike dumplings. This cru is only produced on 750 hectares and it uses exclusively Chardonnay which gives the wine its golden yellow color with green reflections.
Hermitage
Hermitage is a prestigious name belonging to the very exclusive club of the great Côtes-du-Rhône. Based on Syrah, the red is of great class and bewitches the whole palate. The appellation also includes white wine from Marsanne and Roussane grape varieties.
Riesling
Riesling is the most emblematic appellation of Alsace, a star that works miracles once paired with sauerkraut. The Gewürztraminer is the most typical appellation of the region, and easiest to access Riesling for a beginner.