Deep Dive: France — What You’ll Be Drinking - Tasting Notes🍷
At Mane Liquor’s Deep Dive France, we’re swirling, sipping, and savouring the wines that made France a global icon. From Champagne sparkle to Bordeaux power, Burgundy finesse, and Rhône spice, this is your tasting passport across the great wine regions of France.
Champagne & Loire Valley — by Joval Wines 🥂
About the region: Champagne’s chalk soils and cool climate create world-class sparkling; the Loire spans Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre/Pouilly-Fumé), Chenin Blanc (Chinon Blanc), and fresh Cabernet Franc (Chinon Rouge).
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Louis Roederer ‘Collection 245’ NM Champagne MV | Reims, France | Bright citrus, green apple, almond and brioche with chalky minerality and fine mousse. Perfect with smoked salmon, oysters, or triple-cream cheeses. |
| Louis Roederer Rosé NM Rosé Champagne 2017 | Reims, France | Wild strawberry, raspberry and rose petal with silky bubbles and graceful length. Ideal with duck breast, lobster, or lightly spiced Asian dishes. |
| Domaine De La Combe Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2023 | Loire Valley, France | Lemon zest, sea spray and green apple with saline freshness. Great with oysters, sushi or grilled prawns. |
| Domaine Du Pré Semelé Sancerre 2023 | Loire Valley, France | Grapefruit, lime zest and flinty minerality, crisp and zippy. Matches goat’s cheese, asparagus or ceviche. |
| Domaine Christian Salmon Sancerre 2024 | Loire Valley, France | Gooseberry, passionfruit and cut grass, lively and refreshing. Pairs well with grilled sea bass, herbed chicken, or summer salads. |
| Domaine Christian Salmon ‘Clos Des Criots’ Pouilly-Fumé 2023 | Loire Valley, France | Smoky flint, citrus peel and ripe pear with mineral length. Excellent with miso-glazed vegetables, scallops, or lemony fish. |
| Charles Joguet ‘Les Petites Roches’ Chinon Blanc 2021 | Loire Valley, France | Quince, baked apple, almond and honeysuckle with a waxy texture. Complements roast chicken, creamy cheeses or almond desserts. |
| Charles Joguet ‘Les Petites Roches’ Chinon Rouge 2020 | Loire Valley, France | Redcurrant, cherry, violets and graphite with fine tannins. Perfect with lamb chops, mushroom risotto or hard cheeses. |
Mâcon & Languedoc — by Upside Wine 🌞
About the region: Southern Burgundy’s Mâcon delivers stone-fruited, approachable Chardonnay; the Mediterranean Languedoc offers juicy reds, crisp rosé and outstanding value.
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Domaine de Vedilhan Sauvignon Blanc Pays D’Oc 2023 | Languedoc, France | Lime, passionfruit and cut grass, light-bodied and crisp. Matches spicy Thai salads, ceviche or goat cheese tarts. |
| Clos De L’Église Mâcon-Charnay 2021 | Burgundy, France | Peach, pear and hazelnut with creamy balance. Great with roast chicken, mushroom pasta or soft cheeses. |
| Genetie ‘Les Piliers’ Mâcon-Charnay-Lès-Mâcon 2021 | Burgundy, France | Lemon curd, peach and toasted almond, rounded and elegant. Ideal with salmon, turkey or almond-crusted fish. |
| Pasquiers ‘Grenache Cinsault’ Rosé Pays d’Oc 2023 |
Languedoc, France | Strawberry, watermelon and dried herbs, dry and refreshing. Best with charcuterie, prawns or summer salads. |
| Les Oliviers Grenache Pays D’Oc 2021 | Languedoc, France | Red plum, cherry and warm spice with smooth tannins. Lovely with roast pork, grilled veg or sausages. |
| Domaine de Vedilhan ‘Limited Release’ Syrah Pays d’Oc 2022 |
Languedoc, France | Blackberry, black pepper and smoked meat, savory and firm. Excellent with charred meats, BBQ ribs or peppered steak. |
| Les Volets Malbec Haute Vallée De L’Aude 2023 | Languedoc, France | Dark cherry, violet and cocoa with a plush palate. Great with steak, chocolate desserts or hearty stews. |
Alsace & Beaujolais — by Eurocentric Wine 🌸🍒
About the region: Alsace specializes in aromatic whites (Riesling, Gewürztraminer) with texture and spice; Beaujolais (Gamay) ranges from joyful glou-glou to perfumed, mineral Cru wines.
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Sipp-Mack ‘Tradition’ Pinot Blanc 2021 | Alsace, France | Apple, pear and white flowers, gentle and fresh. Easy with chicken salad, quiche Lorraine or soft cheese. |
| Sipp-Mack ‘Rosacker’ Riesling Grand Cru 2016 | Alsace, France | Lime, honey and subtle petrol with a taut finish. Perfect for sushi, spicy Asian dishes or pork. |
| Oncle Charles ‘Orange’ Vin de France Gewürztraminer 2020 | Alsace, France | Lychee, rose and ginger with exotic spice and grip. Pairs well with curries, spicy cuisine or foie gras. |
| Domaine Thillardon 'Raisin Libre' Vin de France 2022 | Burgundy, France | Juicy red fruit and herbs, light and crunchy. Delicious with goat cheese crostini, tartines or pasta. |
| Thibault Ducroux ‘En Roue Libre’ Beaujolais 2022 | Burgundy, France | Cherry, raspberry and rose, vibrant and silky. Great with roast chicken, charcuterie or light stews. |
| Thibault Ducroux Fleurie Cru Beaujolais 2022 | Burgundy, France | Redcurrant, violets and fine tannins, elegant and mineral. Ideal with duck confit, charcuterie or mushrooms. |
| Jean-Marc Burgaud ‘Les Charmes’ Morgon Cru Beaujolais 2021 |
Burgundy, France | Black cherry, plum, earth and spice, structured. Perfect with beef bourguignon, game or pork tenderloin. |
Bordeaux — by Vintage Fine Wine Distributors & Pierre Stock Wine Selection 🍷
About the region: The world benchmark for Cabernet/Merlot blends: graphite-cassis Left Bank, plush Right Bank reds, and opulent Sauternes.
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Château Bel Air De L’Orme Bordeaux Supérieur 2020 | Bordeaux, France | Redcurrant, plum and cedar with supple tannins. Classic with lamb, duck or aged cheddar. |
| Clinet ‘Ronan by Clinet’ 2018 | Bordeaux, France | Dark berries, cocoa and spice, plush and velvety. Works with braised short ribs, mushrooms or pork loin. |
| Jean Luc Thunevin ‘Bad Boy’ 2018 | Bordeaux, France | Blackberry, licorice and earthy notes with power. Best with slow-roasted meats, lamb shank or mushroom ragù. |
| Château Larrieu Terrefort Haut-Medoc 2019 | Bordeaux, France | Cassis, graphite and cedar, medium-full and structured. Great with steak, venison or hearty stews. |
| Château La Couronne Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2020 | Bordeaux, France | Plum, cherry and baking spice with a long finish. Lovely with steak, duck or chocolate desserts. |
| Chateau De Fieuzal ‘L’Abeille de Fieuzal’ Pessac-Leognan 2019 | Bordeaux, France | Blackcurrant, cigar box and mineral balance. Ideal with beef Wellington, pâté or truffles. |
| Château D’Issan ‘Blason D’Issan’ Margaux 2021 |
Bordeaux, France | Dark fruit, violet and graphite with elegant tannins. Pairs with roast lamb, filet mignon or mushroom tarts. |
| Les Remparts de Bastor-Lamontagne Sauternes 2018 |
Bordeaux, France | Honey, apricot and orange peel, luscious and silky. Superb with foie gras, blue cheese or crème brûlée. |
Burgundy (& Interloper) — by Domaine Wine Shippers 🍇
About the region: Burgundy = terroir clarity, chiselled Chardonnay and perfumed Pinot Noir. A Provence rosé cameo brings summer freshness.
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| André Delorme ‘Brut Réserve’ Blanc De Blancs NV | Burgundy, France | Citrus, green apple and white flowers, crisp and light. Perfect with oysters, sushi or ceviche. |
| Patrick Piuze ‘1953’ Bourgogne Aligote 2023 | Burgundy, France | Lemon, apple and saline freshness, bright and zesty. Great with goat cheese, salads or shellfish. |
| Domaine Raquillet Mercurey ‘Les Veleys’ Mercurey 1er Cru Blanc 2021 | Burgundy, France | Stone fruit, citrus and hazelnut, creamy and mineral. Matches roast chicken, risotto or mushroom pasta. |
| Bouchard Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Blanc 2020 | Burgundy, France | Lemon curd, peach and almond with gentle toast. Ideal with lobster, scallops or turbot. |
| Famille Paquet 'Cuvee Madeleine' Mediterranee Rosé 2024 | Provence, France | Strawberry, peach and citrus, dry and refreshing. Lovely with Niçoise salad, seafood or antipasti. |
| Derey Bourgogne Côte D’Or Rouge 2023 | Burgundy, France | Red cherries, earth and spice, silky and medium-bodied. Great with duck, pork or wild mushrooms. |
| Derey ‘Les Champs Perdrix’ Marsannay Rouge 2022 | Burgundy, France | Ripe red fruit and floral tones with firm tannins. Works with poultry, terrine or charcuterie. |
| Domaine Raquillet 'Les Veleys' Mercurey 1er Cru Rouge 2022 | Burgundy, France | Dark cherry, cedar and baking spice, structured and long. Excellent with lamb, game birds or stews. |
| Domaine Pousse D'Or ‘Clos d'Audignac’ Volnay 1er Cru Monopole 2016 | Burgundy, France | Rich cherry, violet and earth with velvety tannins. Superb with duck breast, mushroom dishes or roasted poultry. |
Savoie & Rhône Valley (& Interloper) — by Propellis 🏔️🍷
About the region: Alpine Savoie gives zesty, mineral whites and juicy, chillable reds; Rhône layers in dark fruit, pepper and garrigue, plus a fragrant sweet Muscat. (Champagne interloper for contrast!)
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Virginie Bergeronneau ‘Cuvée Ernestine Zero Dosage’ RM Champagne NV | Ville-Dommange, Champagne, France | Citrus, brioche and mineral notes with bone-dry freshness. Perfect with oysters, caviar or goat cheese. |
| Château De La Violette ‘Les Abymes’ Jacquere Savoie 2024 | Savoie, France | Crisp apple, white flowers and alpine freshness. Great with fondue, grilled fish or fresh salads. |
| Adrien Vacher ‘Heritage’ Roussette de Savoie 2024 | Savoie, France | Pear, quince and floral lift with lively acidity. Ideal with roast chicken, creamy pasta or alpine cheeses. |
| Adrien Vacher ‘En Altitude’ Savoie Gamay 2024 | Savoie, France | Juicy red fruit, light tannins and mountain freshness. Pairs well with charcuterie, sausages or roast poultry. |
| Domaine Les Sibu Côtes-Du-Rhône Villages Sablet 2022 | Rhône Valley, France | Blackberry, spice and herbs with supple tannins. Lovely with grilled lamb, pizza or stews. |
| Domaine de Durban Muscat De Beaumes-De-Venise 2022 | Rhône Valley, France | Sweet orange blossom, honey and apricot. Matches with fruit tarts, blue cheese or pâté. |
Chablis & Rhône Valley (& Interloper) — by Vinous Matters & Euan McKay Wine Merchant ⚡
About the region: Chablis (northern Burgundy) is famed for steely, oyster-shell Chardonnay; northern & southern Rhône bring peppery Syrah and generous Grenache blends. (Picpoul interloper from Languedoc adds zesty snap.)
| Wine | Region | Tasting Notes & Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Croix de Bezzard Picpoul de Pinet 2022 | Languedoc, France | Zesty lime, sea spray and refreshing acidity. Ideal with oysters, shellfish or fried calamari. |
| Ventoura Petit Chablis 2022 | Burgundy, France | Crisp lemon, green apple and chalky minerality. Great with seafood, goat cheese or light salads. |
| Thierry Laffay ‘Mont de Millieu’ Chablis 1er Cru 2022 | Burgundy, France | Citrus zest, stone fruit and flinty depth. Best with shellfish, creamy pasta or roasted chicken. |
| Lavantureux ‘Vue de Vey’ Chablis 1er Cru 2022 | Burgundy, France | Intense citrus, minerality and layered richness. Pairs beautifully with lobster, crab or creamy sauces. |
| Domaine De La Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône 2022 | Rhône Valley, France | Black fruit, spice and garrigue herbs, smooth and warming. Lovely with grilled meats, lamb skewers or stews. |
| Domaine La Bouïssierre Gigondas 2021 | Rhône Valley, France | Dark fruit, spice and power with structured tannins. Perfect for venison, rich lamb or stews. |
| Saint Clair ‘Etincelle’ Crozes-Hermitage 2022 | Rhône Valley, France | Blackberry, pepper and earthy notes with balance. Excellent with steak, roast duck or mushroom dishes. |
| Durand ‘Empreintes’ Cornas 2020 | Rhône Valley, France | Concentrated black fruit, spice and smoky minerality. Stunning with braised meats, venison or rich stews. |
✨ Final Sip: French wines aren’t just drinks; they’re stories of place, culture, and craftsmanship. This Deep Dive lineup brings you the diversity of France — bubbles, whites, reds, and sweet wines — all in one unforgettable tasting.