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What to drink in France? Top 100 French Wine Appellations

Last update: Wed Feb 19 2025
Top 100 French Wine Appellations
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best French Wine Appellation Types

01
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Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and the most important appellation in the southern part of the Rhône Valley that comprises of five communes. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are predominantly red blends, with a small percentage of whites.


Officially eighteen grape varieties are allowed, including different colors of the same grape variety. However, the most common are Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. These rich wines can greatly differ in style, but they are mainly characterized by the spicy and earthy aromas of red berries, black pepper, tar, and leather. 
THE BEST Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Appellations
1 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red

4.8

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James Suckling - 99 points 2024

2 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Lucile Avril
Domaine Durieu
2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Lucile Avril

4.7

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James Suckling - 97 points 2023

02
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This French wine region is located in the Loire Valley (Touraine district), and it is known for the production of varietal white wines that are predominantly produced from Chenin Blanc. Although the appellation also includes sparkling and dessert wines, Vouvray is mostly known for their crisp dry wines (sec).


These wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas that typically include floral, citrus, and white fruit notes. Dry Vouvray wines have excellent aging potential. With age, they evolve, but remain fresh, aromatic, and lively, while their aromas may develop into ripe white fruit, almonds, and hazelnuts. 
03
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Burgundy is a world-famous French wine region that produces some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. Located in the east-central part of France, the area is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Other red and white grapes such as Aligoté, Pinot Gris, or Gamay are also used, but on a much lower scale.


Burgundy has more than 100 approved wine-growing areas, all regulated by a complex quality system that divides the region into grand cru, premier cru, village wines, and regional appellations. The wines are greatly influenced by terroir and show great diversity in flavors and aromas. 
THE BEST Burgundy Wine Appellations
1 Großes Gewächs Weisser Burgunder QbA trocken
Divino Wein
Großes Gewächs Weisser Burgunder QbA trocken

5.0

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Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2017

04

Wine Appellation

CÔTE-D'OR, France
4.4
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Chambertin is a French appellation and a Grand Cru vineyard located in Burgundy, more precisely in the Côte de Nuits (Côte d'Or) wine region. The designation produces red wines that are mostly varietal and based on Pinot Noir.


They typically display complex aromas of red and dark fruit that are often complemented by smoky notes of spices and licorice, as well as subtle herbal and floral nuances. Often praised as one of the best expressions of Burgundy region, these full-bodied and powerful red wines are a perfect match to game, but they can also work well with lamb, poultry, or beef, preferably served in rich wine-infused sauces.


The regulations also allow some wines from the neighboring Chambertin-Clos de Bèze to be labeled as Chambertin.

THE BEST Chambertin Wine Appellations
1 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022
Domaine Faiveley
Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2022

4.8

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James Suckling - 99 points 2024

05
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Bordeaux region is the largest wine growing area in France that comprises of more than fifty different appellations. Bordeaux wines can range from massively produced everyday table wines to prestigious and expensive vintages. The predominant style is red, but the region also produces sweet and dry whites, rosés and sparkling wines.


Red Bordeaux wines are mostly produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, or occasionally Carménère. They are soft, elegant and silky, with aromas of dark fruit, truffles, spices, smoke, tar, and leather. 
06
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Chablis is the name of the wine region in northern Burgundy, but it is also the name of a white wine coming from this very region. Chablis is made with 100% Chardonnay, but unlike other Chardonnay wines, it rarely utilizes oak-aging, resulting in different taste profile and style.


It has white flower and citrus aromas with light-bodied and dry flavors of pear, salinity, and minerality. Among the most desirable traits of Chablis is a long finish of flint-like minerality and high acidity, which makes the wine exceptionally well for pairing with creamy sauces, chicken, trout, bass, quail, clams, cod, halibut, or scallops.

07
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Saint-Émilion is one of the most exceptional appellations in Boudreaux. It is located on the right bank in the Libourne wine region of Bordeaux. Although classic Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Petit Verdot and Malbec can be used in their production, Saint-Émilion wines are mostly made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc.


Often described as approachable and soft, these wines are characterized by powerful aromas of fresh fruit, primarily red berries, which are often accompanied by nuances of spices, cedar, pine, and cocoa. With age, the tannins soften, and the wines tend to evolve aromas of truffles and undergrowth. 
08
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This late-harvest dessert wine of Bordeaux is predominantly made with Sémillon, the region's rare golden-skinned white grapes affected by noble rot, though the blends often include Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. The appellations may include Sauternes, Barsac, Cérons, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Cadillac, Loupiac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire.


In general, Sauternes wines exhibit pronounced notes of fruit, butterscotch, caramel, and spices, along with floral notes coming from the Muscadelle grapes. Noted for their full body and freshness, Sauternes wines pair nicely with soft cheeses, blue cheeses, washed rind cheeses, terrines, foie gras, and various fruit-based desserts.

THE BEST Sauternes Wine Appellations
1 2021
Château d'Yquem
2021

5.0

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James Suckling - 100 points 2024

2 Peyraguey Sauternes 2021
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Peyraguey Sauternes 2021

5.0

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James Suckling - 100 points 2024

3 2021
Château Suduiraut
2021

5.0

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James Suckling - 100 points 2024

09
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Pommard is a French appellation located in Burgundy (Côte de Beaune). The wines produced in the region are exclusively made from Pinot Noir, and they are often described as powerful, tannic, complex, and rich. They are typically deep red with purple highlights, while the characteristic aromas include dark and red berries, such as blackberry, blueberry, cherry core, and ripe plums.


With age, they tend to display nuances of leather, spices, or chocolate. These somewhat robust wines are an ideal match to beef, game, casseroles, and cheese. They are best enjoyed after at least five years of aging.

10
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Meursault is a French appellation located around the namesake village in Côte de Beaune (Côte-d’Or) region of Burgundy. The appellation consists of nineteen premier cru vineyards that produce some of the best expressions of Chardonnay grapes.


Although there are subtle differences in style, depending on the location, Meursault wines are typically rich, buttery, and creamy, while remaining fresh. They can usually age well, and they often display nutty flavors and aromas of toasted almonds and hazelnuts, as well as citrus, floral and mineral nuances. 
11
Wine Appellation
LALANDE-DE-POMEROL, France
4.3
12
13
14
Wine Appellation
INDRE-ET-LOIRE, France
4.2
15
Wine Appellation
CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE, France
4.1
16
17
18
19
Wine Appellation
HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES, France
4.1
20
21
22
23
Wine Appellation
SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE, France
4.0
24
25
Wine Appellation
PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
4.0
26
Wine Appellation
PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
4.0
27
28
29
Wine Appellation
RHÔNE-ALPES, France
3.9
30
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36
Wine Appellation
PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
3.8
37
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43
Wine Appellation
SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE, France
3.5
44
45
Wine Appellation
RHÔNE-ALPES, France
3.3
46
47
Wine Appellation
RHÔNE-ALPES, France
n/a
48
49
Wine Appellation
RHÔNE-ALPES, France
n/a
50
Wine Appellation
VOSNE-ROMANÉE, France
n/a
51
52
53
54
55
Wine Appellation
SAINT-VÉRAND, France
n/a
56
Wine Appellation
SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE, France
n/a
57
58
59
60
61
62
Wine Appellation
PYRÉNÉES-ATLANTIQUES, France
n/a
63
Wine Appellation
PYRÉNÉES-ATLANTIQUES, France
n/a
64
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70
Wine Appellation
ROCHEFORT-SUR-LOIRE, France
n/a
71
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80
Fortified Wine
PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES, France
n/a
81
82
Wine Appellation
RHÔNE-ALPES, France
n/a
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
Wine Appellation
SAINT-JULIEN-BEYCHEVELLE, France
n/a
90
Wine Appellation
INDRE-ET-LOIRE, France
n/a
91
Wine Appellation
VOSNE-ROMANÉE, France
n/a
92
93
94
95
96
Wine Appellation
SAINT-NICOLAS-LA-CHAPELLE, France
n/a
97
Wine Appellation
SAÔNE-ET-LOIRE, France
n/a
98
Fortified Wine
PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES, France
n/a
99
100
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best French Wine Appellation Producers

01

Wine

REIMS, France
5.0
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Piper-Heidsieck is a prestigious Champagne house founded in 1785 in Reims, France. Specializing in the production of high-quality Champagne, it is known for blending tradition with innovation. Piper-Heidsieck produces a variety of Champagnes, including both classic and limited-edition cuvées, crafted from grapes sourced exclusively from the Champagne region.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2021, 2018, 2017

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy

2021

BEST Piper-Heidsieck Wines
02

Wine

REIMS, France
5.0
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Champagne Taittinger is a distinguished family-owned Champagne house headquartered in Reims, France. Its origins date back to 1734 when it was founded by Jacques Fourneaux. The Taittinger family became associated with the house in 1932 when Pierre Taittinger acquired the estate, including the historic Château de la Marquetterie.


The Taittinger estate encompasses approximately 288 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest in the Champagne region. Notably, the house is renowned for its high proportion of Chardonnay in its blends, contributing to the signature elegance and finesse of its Champagnes.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 99 points

2024

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2020 - Daniel Thibault Trophy

2020

BEST Taittinger Wines
03

Wine

REIMS, France
5.0
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Rare Champagne is a premium, high-quality champagne produced by the renowned house of Jacques Selosse. Anselme Selosse, the visionary winemaker behind this brand, revolutionized Champagne production by focusing on small-scale, terroir-driven practices and a philosophy that emphasized the quality of the vineyard's fruit over mass production.


His influence has reshaped the Champagne industry, bringing attention to the significance of low yields, natural viticulture, and the expression of unique terroirs.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2023, 2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2024

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2023 - Daniel Thibault Trophy

2023

04

Wine

NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE, France
5.0
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Château d'Yquem is one of the most renowned wineries in the world, located in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. It is famous for producing some of the finest sweet wines, particularly those made from the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.


The estate's wines are primarily known for their exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points

2024

Falstaff - 100

BEST Château d'Yquem Wines
05
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Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a renowned winery located in the prestigious Pauillac appellation within the Bordeaux wine region in France. Established in the 19th century, it is celebrated for producing exceptional Bordeaux wines, especially its acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends.


The estate is distinguished by its elegant château and meticulous winemaking process, which combines tradition with innovation to achieve wines of remarkable depth, structure, and aging potential. Known for its balanced and refined wines, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is a respected name in Bordeaux and a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 98

2021

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

BEST Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Wines
06

Wine

RHÔNE, France
5.0
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E. Guigal, established in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, France, is a renowned winery in the Rhône Valley. The estate is particularly celebrated for its Côte-Rôtie wines, notably the single-vineyard "La La's": La Mouline, La Landonne, and La Turque.


Under the leadership of Marcel Guigal since 1961, and now his son Philippe, the family has expanded their holdings to include prestigious vineyards across the Rhône, including Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage. Their commitment to quality and traditional winemaking techniques has solidified E. 
AWARDS

James Suckling - 99 points

2024

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

BEST E. Guigal Wines
07

Wine

REIMS, France
5.0
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Krug Champagne is a Champagne house founded by Joseph Krug in 1843. It is based principally in Reims, the main city in France's Champagne region and is one of the famous Champagne houses that formed part of the Grandes marques.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 99

2021

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

08

Wine

AŸ-CHAMPAGNE, France
5.0
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Champagne Bollinger is a renowned French champagne house established in 1829, located in the Aÿ region of Champagne. Known for its rich, full-bodied style, Bollinger specializes in producing high-quality, complex champagnes primarily using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.


The house is famous for its commitment to traditional winemaking methods, including fermentation in oak barrels and extended aging, which give its champagnes distinctive depth, elegance, and complexity. Bollinger is highly regarded for its prestigious cuvées, such as the Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé, and is a favorite among champagne connoisseurs worldwide.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

BEST Champagne Bollinger Wines
09

Wine

AŸ-CHAMPAGNE, France
5.0
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Louis Roederer is a producer of champagne based in Reims, France. Founded in 1776, the business was inherited and renamed by Louis Roederer in 1833. It remains as one of the few independent and family-run maisons de champagne.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99

10

Wine

ÉPERNAY, France
5.0
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Moët & Chandon, also known simply as Moët, is a French fine winery and part of the luxury goods company LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE. Moët et Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers and a prominent champagne house.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2023

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2023

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum

2023

11
Wine
AŸ-CHAMPAGNE, France
5.0
12
Wine
AVIZE, France
5.0
13
Wine
ÉPERNAY, France
5.0
14
15
Wine
ROCHEFORT-SUR-LOIRE, France
5.0
16
17
Wine
PREIGNAC, France
5.0
18
Wine
AVIZE, France
5.0
19
Wine
AUVERGNE-RHÔNE-ALPES, France
4.8
20
21
Wine
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, France
4.8
22
Wine
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, France
4.8
23
Wine
TAIN-L'HERMITAGE, France
4.8
24
Wine
CHÉNAS, France
4.8
25
26
Wine
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, France
4.7
27
Wine
MONTBRISON, France
4.7
28
Wine
ROMANÈCHE-THORINS, France
4.7
29
Wine
RÉGNIÉ-DURETTE, France
4.7
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best French Wine Appellations

01
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Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish.
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2018, 2016

02
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The 1982 Pichon-Lalande has a very pure bouquet, sensual and beautifully defined, featuring blackberry and hints of graphite, and later crushed violet, so that the aromatics are almost Margaux-like. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly edgy, balsamic-tinged entry.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 99

Vivino - 4.7

03
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The phenomenal expression of a radiant vintage. The 2014 vintage compromises 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, 87% of which are sourced from Grand Crus and Premier Crus vineyards. Aged for 5+ years on the lees, this elegant vintage is radiant and intense.


The nose delivers notes of orange blossom, apricot and brioche with a lovely toasted almond finish and the palate is vibrant and fresh with flavours of orange and spice.
AWARDS

International Wine Challenge - IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2021 - Daniel Thibault Trophy

2021

04
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The special grape variety, as well as the 11 hectares of vineyards located on the terroir of Saint Julien give the wine of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande a personality of exception compared to the other classified crus of the Pauillac appellation.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 98

2021

05
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A light golden colour and fine, vivacious bubbles, holding a promise of pleasure. Aromas of flowers in bloom, ripe, dried and citrus fruits, as well as marzipan and gingerbread. Grilled notes and flavours of almond paste, quince, lemon, limoncello and dried fruit.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 99

2021

06

Wine

NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE, France
5.0
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Château d'Yquem Sauternes 2021 is a premium dessert wine from the Sauternes region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is renowned for its exceptional balance between sweetness and acidity, with aromas of ripe tropical fruits, honey, and subtle hints of spices.


On the palate, it is rich and complex, with a long and elegant finish. Château d'Yquem holds the unique distinction of being the only vineyard classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 wine classification, making it one of the most prestigious dessert wines in the world.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points

2024

07
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Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 2021 is a premium dessert wine from the Sauternes appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. This wine is renowned for its exceptional balance between sweetness and freshness, with aromas of ripe yellow and tropical fruits, honey, vanilla, and subtle hints of spices.


On the palate, it is rich and complex, with a long and elegant finish. According to wine critic James Suckling, this wine is "incredible, a young Sauternes with so many spicy, dried mushroom, dusty, and earthy characteristics." Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey holds the Premier Cru Classé classification from the 1855 Bordeaux wine ranking, placing it among the most prestigious dessert wines in the world.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points

2024

08
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Château Suduiraut 2021 is a premium dessert wine from the Sauternes appellation in the Bordeaux region of France. This wine has received exceptionally high ratings from wine critics, with an average score of 95 points. According to wine critic James Suckling, it exhibits "very intense spices on the nose, with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and dried apples." The wine is crafted from 100% Sémillon grapes, with a residual sugar content of 138 grams per liter, contributing to its sweetness and rich flavor profile.


Château Suduiraut holds the prestigious Premier Cru Classé classification from the 1855 ranking, placing it among the most esteemed dessert wines in the world.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points

2024

09
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The nose of this wine is particularly complex and emblematic of the Pauillac terroir, withmineral notes of cedar and liquorice that gradually give way to richer aromas of blackberry,blackcurrant and violet. The palate is juicy and flavoursome. The wine starts out ethereal withdelicious notes of strawberry and cherry, going onto reveal all its charm and softness beforeculminating in a long finish with smooth, precise and powdery tannins.


This Réserve wine isquite simply mesmerising.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

10
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This is a powerful, sensual and intense Blanc de Blancs with lots of chalk, lemon, apricot stone, walnut, flint, biscuit, toast, white grapefruit and quince. Vibrant, tight and structured. Tight bubbles and a sharp backbone of acidity. Very long and persistent.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

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AŸ-CHAMPAGNE, France
5.0
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Wine
ROMANÈCHE-THORINS, France
4.7
80

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 French Wine Appellations” list until February 19, 2025, 1,359 ratings were recorded, of which 1,196 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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French Wine Appellations