French Wine

France is the heartland of fine wine — home to Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, Alsace, the Loire, Beaujolais, the Languedoc and beyond. Its hundreds of appellations each have their own grape varieties, soils and traditions, and French wine set the template that producers from California to New Zealand still follow: the idea that terroir — the specific combination of soil, climate and aspect — gives wine its identity. It continues to set the benchmark for winemakers around the world. Many of the world's best-known grape varieties made their name here. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reach their greatest heights in Burgundy; Sauvignon Blanc is the mainstay of the Loire Valley; Syrah and Grenache love the sun of the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc; and Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the great grapes behind red Bordeaux. Don't let the labels put you off. France was the first country Wines Direct sourced wines from, more than three decades ago, and it still surprises us with its diversity and, more recently, its value. We favour independent producers and family domaines who farm with care and make wine that genuinely reflects where it comes from. Whether you're looking for a grand Burgundy, a cellarworthy Bordeaux, a lively Loire Muscadet or a sun-drenched Languedoc red, we have France covered.