France

France is the touchstone for fine wine throughout the world at every quality level. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers worldwide like to boast that their wines are very “Burgundian” in style. Similarly, Cabernet and Merlot producers claim their wines are “Bordeaux-style blends.” Syrah and Grenache producers in Australia and the U.S. talk of their “Rhône blends.” Well, why not check out the real thing?

France’s tough appellation laws, first enacted in 1936, have been copied by Italy and Spain. For each appellation, the laws dictate what grapes you can grow, how you grow them, and even how you make the wine and age it! These laws safeguard the reputation of each appellation and protect the consumer. For example, when the label says red Burgundy (or Bourgogne Rouge), you know that the grape is Pinot Noir and that the wine comes from that specific region.

MadWine showcases every major wine region in France, from the Burgundy and the Rhone to the celebrated Chateau of Bordeaux and more. French wines are very competitively priced so you can find quality at every price level.