5 of the best French wines for any budget

Perfect pairings to match the finest menu

For a mouth-watering flavour of France it’s best to match your wine to what’s on your plate; but there are some versatile all-rounders that never go wrong, even if you don’t have a sommelier to guide you.

Beautiful Beaujolais

Soft, red, fruity and beloved by millions, a glass of Beaujolais is right for almost every occasion. Being lighter-bodied, it’s a fabulous red, yet robust enough for a more sophisticated palate too. Look out for styles labelled Beaujolais Villages.

Charming Chablis

Speaking of entry level, a petit Chablis is the ideal way to introduce you to the fabulous family of Chablis white wines from the chardonnay grape. Chablis is a French classic, and for good reason.

Bordeaux

Of course, with chicken and seafood dishes white wine is a shoo-in – and a tantalising Bordeaux white made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape is one of the best. Enjoy its refreshing zesty flavour packed with the taste of summer sunshine.

Red meat winner

A steak needs its own perfect pairing, and nothing compares to a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape. This rich Rhône red might be too much on its own for some, but teamed with a steak and all the trimmings it’s a marriage made in heaven.

Affordable fizz

Do you have champagne tastes but shallow pockets? Your new best friend is crémant, a French fizz made in exactly the same way as champagne. Keep the champers for high days and holidays and enjoy bargain bubbles as your weekend treat.