5 of the best French wines for any budget

For a mouth-watering flavour of France it’s best to match your wine to what’s on your plate; but there are some versatile all-rounders that never go wrong, even if you don’t have a sommelier to guide you.
Perfect pairings to match the finest menuPerfect pairings to match the finest menu
Perfect pairings to match the finest menu

Beautiful Beaujolais

Soft, red, fruity and beloved by millions, a glass of Beaujolais is right for almost every occasion. Being lighter-bodied, it’s a fabulous red, yet robust enough for a more sophisticated palate too. Look out for styles labelled Beaujolais Villages.

Charming Chablis

Speaking of entry level, a petit Chablis is the ideal way to introduce you to the fabulous family of Chablis white wines from the chardonnay grape. Chablis is a French classic, and for good reason.

Bordeaux

Of course, with chicken and seafood dishes white wine is a shoo-in – and a tantalising Bordeaux white made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape is one of the best. Enjoy its refreshing zesty flavour packed with the taste of summer sunshine.

Red meat winner

A steak needs its own perfect pairing, and nothing compares to a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape. This rich Rhône red might be too much on its own for some, but teamed with a steak and all the trimmings it’s a marriage made in heaven.

Affordable fizz

Do you have champagne tastes but shallow pockets? Your new best friend is crémant, a French fizz made in exactly the same way as champagne. Keep the champers for high days and holidays and enjoy bargain bubbles as your weekend treat.

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