Part II · Terroir

French Region Atlas

France's eleven great wine regions, organized by geography — from the chalk of Champagne to the granite of Corsica. Each entry surveys climate, terroir, and signature grapes.

North & Northeast

2 regions

Champagne

[sham-PAN-yuh]

Northeastern France · Cool Continental

The world's benchmark sparkling wine made by méthode champenoise.

Pinot NoirChardonnayPinot Meunier

Alsace

[al-ZAS]

Northeastern France · Semi-Continental (Rain Shadow)

Intensely aromatic dry whites from the Vosges rain shadow; world-class late harvest SGN.

RieslingGewurztraminerPinot GrisPinot BlancMuscat

Eastern France

2 regions

Burgundy

[Bourgogne: boor-GOHN-yuh]

Eastern France · Continental

Terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Côte d'Or; complex and cellar-worthy.

Pinot NoirChardonnayGamayAligoté

Jura & Savoie

[ZHOO-rah · sav-WAH]

Eastern France · Continental

Vin Jaune — France's most unique wine — plus Alpine whites of remarkable freshness.

SavagninTrousseauPoulsardJacquère

West & Center

1 region

Loire Valley

[LWAHR val-ee]

North-central France · Oceanic to Continental

Extraordinary diversity — from minerally Muscadet to electric Sancerre and luscious Coteaux du Layon.

Chenin BlancSauvignon BlancCabernet FrancMelon de Bourgogne

Southwest

2 regions

Bordeaux

[bor-DOH]

Southwestern France · Maritime

World-class structured reds from the Médoc and Right Bank; Sauternes sweet whites.

Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet FrancSémillonSauvignon Blanc

South-West France

[Sud-Ouest: syd-WEST]

Southwestern France · Oceanic to Continental

Unique indigenous varieties — inky Cahors Malbec, iron-fisted Tannat, exotic Jurançon.

MalbecTannatPetit Manseng

South-Central

1 region

Rhône Valley

[RONE val-ee]

South-central France · Mediterranean

Powerful granite-grown Syrah in the north; Grenache-led blends in the sun-soaked south.

SyrahGrenacheMourvèdreViognier

Mediterranean South & Islands

3 regions

Provence

[pro-VAHNS]

Southeastern France · Mediterranean

Global benchmark for pale, dry rosé; Bandol produces one of France's greatest reds.

GrenacheMourvèdreCinsaultTibouren

Languedoc-Roussillon

[lang-uh-DOK roo-see-YOHN]

Southern France · Mediterranean

France's most dynamic value-wine frontier; Banyuls VDN is the world's chocolate wine.

GrenacheSyrahMourvèdreCarignan

Corsica

[KOR-si-kuh]

Mediterranean Island · Mediterranean

Fierce individuality rooted in pre-French viticulture; Nielluccio rivals Sangiovese at its best.

NielluccioSciaccarelluVermentino