With the exception of wines classified as Vin du Pays and wines produced in the Alsace region, French wines are named according to their appellation system. By law, distinct varietals are grown and used in the wines from their respective regions. As such, French wines are more commonly recognized by their regional names as opposed to the varietals that go into their production. Common examples include:
- Beaujolais
- Bordeaux
- Bourgogne or Burgundy
- Côtes-du-Rhône
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Chablis
- Sancerre
- Sauternes
- Vouvray
Visit the French Wine Regions section of our website for more information on French wine.