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. 

Cahors is a French wine region where the principal grape is Malbec, with small percentages of Tannat and Merlot. Although Malbec is nowadays primarily associated with Argentinian Mendoza region, the grape originated in France, but in the 1950s, it was almost entirely wiped out by frost.

Cahors now remains as the only French region that produces Malbec-based wines. Often dubbed as black due to their dark purple color, young wines from Cahors are powerful and rich in tannins, and they typically display aromas of dark fruit and spices. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Lalande-de-Pomerol is a small French appellation located in Libourne wine region of Bordeaux. The wines produced in the area are primarily based on Merlot, but the addition of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec is also permitted.

Lalande-de-Pomerol wines are typically well-structured, full-bodied, and smooth, with a good ability to age. Their primary aromas include red and black fruits, spices, and violets that may develop into more robust expressions of plums, leather, or truffles. 

Although Syrah is an internationally known grape that is planted worldwide, it attains distinctive character in northern Rhône—which is often dubbed as Mecca for Syrah. There are several theories about the origin of the grape, but it has been widely accepted that Syrah is native to France and that it probably originated somewhere in the Rhône valley.

Syrah-based wines from northern Rhône often differ in style, but they are powerful, full-bodied reds that can age exceptionally well. They usually display aromas of dark fruit that evolve into peppery, earthy, and herbaceous nuances. Northern Rhône is also home to the premier Syrah-based appellations such as Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Cornas.