France is probably the most well-known wine producing country among most consumers. The country is divided into several hundred geographical wine regions, called Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AC or AOC). Each AC has stringent rules that control both viticulture and winemaking, including the grape varieties permitted within that region. Due to the different climates and different permitted grapes in each region, the styles of wine from the regions also vary. Most French wines only mention the region’s name but not the grape varieties on the label because it is assumed that the consumers would know the style depending on which region is being featured.

The climate in France ranges from cool in the north to warm in the south. Wines from the north are mostly white and tend to be fresher with a higher acidity and lower alcohol (12 to 12.5%). Typical examples are Champagne, the Loire Valley and Chablis in northern Burgundy and Alsace. As we move south, white wine becomes fuller-bodied and there is also more red wine produced. Red wines from the middle part of France, such as Burgundy, Northern Rhone and Bordeaux are medium bodied with around 12.5 to 13.5% alcohol, whereas those from southern France are bigger with more intense fruits and an alcohol level often above 13.5%.

Bordeaux, the most famous and largest wine region, has a mild climate. Its red wines must be based on five varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) while whites are based on two (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon). Other wine producing countries also make Bordeaux blends which means they use the same grape varieties as in Bordeaux. Bordeaux is a generic region and well over 80% of the wines are of average quality.

Burgundy only makes wine from 100% Chardonnay for white and 100% Pinot Noir for red. Unlike Bordeaux, the classification is based on vineyard sites, not domaines (equivalent to chateaux). The best sites are called Grand Crus, followed by Premier Crus. Burgundy produces less than a third of the wine that Bordeaux does.

A lot of consumers drink Bordeaux or Burgundy reds simply because these are the most well known in France. As great of wines as they might be, I think it’s a tad boring to drink only these two wines. Go explore other French wine regions and you’ll be surprised by the many styles that the country offers.

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A marketer turned winemaker, Tersina's mission is to promote a stronger wine culture in Hong Kong and China, explaining wine in a no-nonsense way.

This post was created by a Jubee contributor. Views represented are not affiliated with Jubee. Map by Wine Travel Guides.