TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Wine Types
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

Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
James Suckling - 99 points 2024

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.
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.
THE BEST Burgundy Wine Appellations

Gewurztraminer is a pink-skinned grape that produces some of the most aromatic and complex white wines in the world. The exact origin of Gewurztraminer is hard to trace, but the grape is related to Traminer family that is cultivated across Europe, and although Gewurztraminer has shown success in Germany, Austria, Australia, Washington and California, the French Alsace region remains its foreground.
Alsace produces varietals that are rich and typically deeply colored, often low in acidity and high in alcohol with exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals. Their character and the body heavily depends on the terroir and ripeness of the grapes, and they may range from dry to off-dry and sweet styles.
THE BEST Gewurztraminer d'Alsace Wine Varieties

Weingut Hans Wirsching
Iphöfer Kalb Gewürztraminer Trockenbeerenauslese
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2022

Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm
Petgen-Dahm Gewürztraminer-Sekt b.A. "Les deux dames" klassische Flaschengärung
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2017
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
Riesling is an aromatic white grape native to Germany. It is a terroir-driven wine known for its versatile character and intense aroma, usually reminiscent of citrus, petroleum, and white flowers. In Alsace, Riesling is one of the main varieties.
Although the grape is often associated with sweeter styles, most of the examples coming from Alsace are bone dry. Riesling from Alsace can slightly vary in character, from leaner to more opulent, flavor-packed expressions, but it is generally complex, richly flavored, and high in acidity.
THE BEST Alsace Riesling Wine Varieties
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

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.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Wine Producers
Louis Roederer is one of the most prestigious and oldest independent Champagne houses, synonymous with luxury, tradition, and innovation. Founded in 1776 in the heart of Champagne, in the city of Reims, this family-run house has been nurturing the art of producing exceptional Champagnes for centuries, captivating connoisseurs worldwide.
The true rise of the house began in 1833, when Louis Roederer took over the family business and introduced a revolutionary approach—unlike other producers who purchased grapes, he decided to own and cultivate his own vineyards. This decision allowed him complete control over quality, terroir, and the unique style of his Champagnes, establishing the Louis Roederer brand’s distinctive signature.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 98
2022

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99
BEST Louis Roederer Wines
Krug is one of the most prestigious and revered Champagne houses, renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence and the artistry of champagne-making. Founded in 1843 by Johann Joseph Krug, this family-run house has always adhered to a philosophy of uncompromising quality, emphasizing the individuality of each vintage and terroir.
Krug stands apart with its unique approach—each bottle of champagne is crafted from meticulously selected wines from different years and vineyards, creating unparalleled depth, complexity, and richness. Their most iconic champagne, Krug Grande Cuvée, embodies this philosophy, blending up to 200 wines from over 10 different vintages to achieve perfect harmony and sophistication in every edition.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 99
2021

Falstaff - 100

Falstaff - 99
BEST Krug Wines
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
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023, 2021, 2019

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2020, 2019
BEST Château de Meursault Wines
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
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022, 2019, 2018
BEST Les Grands Vins de Pazac Wines
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022, 2018

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022

Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Les Vignobles du Rivesaltais Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold outstanding
2020
BEST SCV BERAUT Spirits
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best French Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023, 2021, 2019
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022, 2018

Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2022
Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 is a supreme champagne that perfectly embodies the prestige and tradition of this legendary house. Created exclusively in exceptional vintages, Cristal 2012 captivates with its brilliant golden hue and fine, persistent bubbles that hint at its complexity and elegance.
The 2012 vintage was marked by extreme weather conditions, yet through meticulous grape selection and a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity, a champagne was crafted that exudes freshness, precision, and depth of flavor. Its aroma reveals delicate notes of ripe yellow fruits, white flowers, blanched almonds, and subtle brioche, while the palate is elegant and multi-layered, with a silky texture and a long, mineral-driven finish.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 98
2022

Falstaff - 99
Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition is a magnificent expression of the art of champagne blending, born from the House of Krug’s unwavering desire to create the most exceptional champagne each year, regardless of vintage conditions. This edition is composed of an impressive 146 wines from 11 different years, with the oldest dating back to 1998 and the youngest from 2016, forming a harmonious balance of depth, elegance, and complexity.
The blend features 44% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier, with reserve wines making up 42% of the final composition, adding richness and roundness to every sip. Aged for approximately seven years in the cellars of Krug, this champagne achieves remarkable maturity and aromatic opulence.
AWARDS

Wine Spectator - 99
2021

Vivino - 4.6
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
AWARDS

Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2019, 2018
AWARDS

International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion White 2022
2022

International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion White 2021
2021
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018, 2016
Even from barrel the seamless 1989 La Mission revealed a special elixir aspect, tasting like it had been designed by Chanel. It still possesses a blue/purple color with only a hint of garnet creeping in, and the explosive aromatics offer up notes of licorice, creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, smoky barbecue meats, truffles and graphite.
If that’s not enough to get one salivating, the palate has never disappointed either. Full-bodied with extraordinary opulence as well as sweet, well-integrated, velvety tannins, this fresh, lively, blockbuster La Mission appears to be one of those rare wines that never goes through a closed, unfriendly stage.
AWARDS

Falstaff - 100

Vivino - 4.7
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 Wines” list until March 23, 2025, 2,067 ratings were recorded, of which 1,849 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.