French Red Wines: Americans are Obsessed With!

Do you often find yourself puzzled with the multitude of French red wine varieties? France, in fact, is home to more than 200 indigenous grape varieties used for making exquisite red wines.

This article will guide you through the mesmerizing world of French red wines and their distinguishing characteristics. Get ready; a remarkable journey into this liquid art awaits!

Popular French Red Wine Regions

There are several popular French red wine regions, including Beaujolais, Cahors, Côtes du Rhône, Bourgogne Rouge, Chinon, and Bordeaux.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a top French red wine region. It lies in the middle part of France. The wines here are made from Gamay grapes. These grapes give the wines a bright, fruity taste. Many people love Beaujolais for its fun flavors like cherry and raspberry.

There are two kinds of Beaujolais – new and old. New Beaujolais is fresh and juicy. Old Beaujolais has more deep tastes after staying longer in barrels. Try it to enjoy its unique taste!

Cahors

Cahors is a region in France that produces red wine. The wine from Cahors is made primarily from the Malbec grape, which gives it a rich and full-bodied flavor. It is known for having deep purple color and strong tannins.

The Cahors red wine has flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, along with hints of spice and tobacco. This wine ages well and can develop more complex flavors over time. When pairing food with Cahors red wine, it goes well with hearty dishes like beef stew or grilled meats.

So if you’re looking to try a bold and flavorful French red wine, give Cahors a try!

Côtes du Rhône

Côtes du Rhône is a famous French red wine region that produces delicious and affordable wines. The wines from this region are known for their rich flavors and smooth textures. Côtes du Rhône wines often have fruity notes of berries and cherries, with hints of spices like pepper and cinnamon.

They are usually made using Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan grape varieties. These wines pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, stews, and cheese platters.

If you’re looking to explore French red wines, Côtes du Rhône is definitely worth trying.

Bourgogne Rouge

Bourgogne Rouge is a type of French red wine that comes from the Burgundy region. It is made from the Pinot Noir grape variety, which gives it a unique and elegant flavor. Bourgogne Rouge wines are known for their medium-bodied character and vibrant red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry.

They can also exhibit earthy notes and subtle spice aromas. These wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto.

Bourgogne Rouge is a great choice for wine lovers who appreciate finesse and complexity in their red wines.

Chinon

One of the popular French red wine regions is Chinon. Chinon wines come from the Loire Valley and are made primarily from Cabernet Franc grapes. These wines are known for their fruity flavors, ranging from cherry to raspberry, and sometimes even hints of green bell pepper.

They are typically light-bodied with moderate tannins, making them very versatile and easy to drink. Chinon wines pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and soft cheeses.

So if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly French red wine that offers great value for money, give Chinon a try!

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in France. It is known for producing some of the world’s best red wines. Bordeaux wines are usually a blend of different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

These blends create complex and well-balanced flavors. Bordeaux wines can range from rich and full-bodied to more delicate and elegant. They often have notes of blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, and cedar.

The region has a long history of winemaking and offers a wide range of prices to suit different budgets. Whether you’re just starting to explore French red wines or you’re already a wine connoisseur, Bordeaux is definitely worth trying!

Common Varieties of French Red Wine

French red wine is known for its wide variety of grape varieties, including Gamay, Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Gamay

Gamay is a popular red wine grape variety grown in France. It is mainly found in the Beaujolais region, where it produces light-bodied and fruity wines. Gamay wines are known for their vibrant red fruit flavors, such as cherry and raspberry, with hints of earthiness.

They are typically low in tannins, making them easy to drink and pair with a wide range of foods. Gamay wines are best enjoyed slightly chilled and can be a great choice for those who prefer lighter reds or are new to French red wines.

Malbec

Malbec is a red wine grape variety that originated in France but is now more commonly associated with Argentina. It produces wines that are deep in color and have rich flavors of dark fruits like plum, blackberry, and cherry.

Malbec wines are known for their smooth and velvety texture, making them very enjoyable to drink. They also tend to have medium tannins and a nice balance between acidity and sweetness.

While Malbec is not as well-known as some other French red wine varieties, it can still be found in certain regions of France, particularly in Cahors. In recent years, the popularity of Argentinian Malbec has skyrocketed, thanks to its affordable price point and approachable style.

Syrah

Syrah is a popular red wine grape variety grown in France. It is known for its deep color, full body, and bold flavors. Syrah wines often have notes of blackberry, plum, pepper, and spices.

They can be rich and velvety with smooth tannins. Syrah is widely grown in the Rhône Valley region of France, particularly in the northern part where it produces some of the world’s finest examples of this wine.

These wines are known for their complexity and aging potential. In addition to France, Syrah is also grown in other wine regions around the world like Australia and California.

French Syrah wines pair well with grilled meats, game dishes, and strong cheeses. They are versatile enough to accompany a wide range of foods due to their robust character. When enjoying a glass of French Syrah wine, you can expect a powerful expression of flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a popular red wine grape variety grown in France. It is known for its medium-bodied character and distinct flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and raspberry. Cabernet Franc wines often have herbal or green pepper notes, which add complexity to the taste.

This grape is commonly used in Bordeaux blends, where it adds elegance and finesse to the final wine. It can also be found as a single varietal wine in regions like Chinon and Bourgueil.

Cabernet Franc pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and hard cheeses. French Cabernet Franc wines are known for their balance and aging potential, making them an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and cellar aging.

Merlot

Merlot is one of the popular red wine grape varieties grown in France. It is known for its smooth and easy-drinking characteristics, making it a favorite among many wine lovers. Merlot grapes are used to make both single-varietal wines and blends, often mixed with other grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.

French Merlot wines are known for their medium-bodied texture, fruity flavors of blackberry and plum, and subtle herbal notes. They pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, pasta, and cheeses.

Some famous French regions that produce excellent Merlot wines include Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a popular variety of red wine grape that is grown in France. It is known for its elegant and smooth flavors, often described as tasting like cherries, raspberries, or strawberries.

Pinot Noir wines are typically light to medium-bodied with moderate tannins, making them easy to drink and enjoy. They can be paired with a variety of foods such as grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or mushroom dishes.

Some well-known regions in France for producing excellent Pinot Noir include Burgundy and Alsace. French Pinot Noir wines have gained popularity around the world for their quality and unique characteristics.

Characteristics of French Red Wines

French red wines are known for their distinct flavors and aromas, aging potential, and excellent food pairing options. Read on to discover the unique characteristics of these exquisite wines.

Flavors and aromas

French red wines offer a variety of flavors and aromas that wine lovers can enjoy. From bold and robust to elegant and refined, there is something for everyone’s taste preferences.

Bordeaux blends, for example, have rich flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and tobacco. Burgundy wines showcase notes of cherry, raspberry, mushroom, and earthiness. Rhône Valley wines often have spicy flavors like pepper along with dark fruits like blackberry and black cherry.

Loire Valley wines feature vibrant acidity with fruity notes of red currant and strawberry. Whether you prefer a full-bodied wine or a lighter option, French red wines provide an array of delightful flavors to explore.

Aging potential

French red wines are known for their aging potential, which means they can improve and develop more complex flavors over time. The aging process allows the wine to mellow out and become smoother.

Some French red wines, like those from Bordeaux and Burgundy, can age for several decades, while others may only need a few years. It’s important to note that not all French red wines are meant for aging; some are best enjoyed while young and fresh.

However, if you’re looking for a wine that will continue to evolve in the bottle and provide a unique tasting experience, exploring the aging potential of French red wines is worth considering.

Food pairings

French red wines pair well with a variety of foods. For lighter-bodied reds like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, try pairing them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom dishes.

Medium-bodied reds like Côtes du Rhône and Bourgogne Rouge go great with grilled meats, tomato-based pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. Full-bodied Bordeaux blends and Syrah are perfect for hearty beef stews, lamb chops, or rich chocolate desserts.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite food pairings with French red wines!

Conclusion

In conclusion, French red wines offer a wide variety of flavors and aromas, making them a delight for wine lovers. Whether you prefer bold Bordeaux blends or elegant Pinot Noir, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the different regions of France.

So raise your glass and explore the rich and diverse world of French red wine!