2023 French Wine between $10 and $25

France Côtes Catalanes in Rousillon has a lot in common with Spain. Including the grape the Spanish call Cariñena and the French Carignan. This is full of rich, dark, blueberry/blackberry cobbler fruit with a nice... Read More

Lower ABV Vin de France can allow for some unique and downright enjoyable combos like this 50/50 Picpoul and Roussanne blend by Boutinot. A dynamic and delicious combo, it melds effortlessly the melon and nutty notes of Roussanne... Read More

From the south of France, this is easy-drinking Pinot Noir that will satisfy at table as well as just sipping with a crowd. Dark black and Bing cherry fruit show on the nose and palate with a fine juiciness that lifts the flavor... Read More

Lower ABV Ch Marie du Fou wines showcase the traditions of the Mourat family and the tiny region of Fiefs Vendeens at the end of the Loire River as it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. A blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon... Read More

Organic/Bio Lower ABV Jeremie Huchet is making some of the most exciting wines in the western Loire region of Muscadet, including this generous example from vineyards on a hill overlooking the Maine River. It’s from organically... Read More

Lower ABV Melon de Bourgogne grown on schist soils gives more cut, energy and freshness than pure limestone, and schist around 15 inches under the top-soil is the secret to this delicious seafood and sipping white. Green apple,... Read More

Organic/Bio The kind of wine we often call “cheerful.” There’s plenty of substance to the ripe red cherry and redcurrant fruit and a whiff of the wild herb and black olive notes the French call “garigue.”... Read More

Lower ABV Think of Coteaux du Giennois as the front door to Sancerre (technically the “back door” since it’s down river, but that doesn’t sound nearly as good!). The limestone soils here were given over... Read More

In the deep south of Languedoc, growers discovered that flooding their vineyards for 40 days in spring could kill the phylloxera louse, and that's how Ferrandiere still farms it's own-rooted vines just 12 miles from Carcassonne.... Read More

Lower ABV There's a lot going on here if you want to geek out and try to describe it, but the top -line is that it's really good Chenin with a touch of barrel that goes down almost too easily. The flavors of quince, apple,... Read More

From vines north of Sancerre, this is mostly Pinot Noir with a splash of Gamay and while calling it a charming Bistro Pinot is accurate, it undersells the quality here by a fair bit. The cherry and mulberry fruit flavors are dark... Read More

Lower ABV Grolleau Noir is one of the Loire Valley's most widely planted grapes, but it mostly ends up in pink wine, especially Rosé d'Anjou. Here an excellent Saumur producer turns Grolleau into an utterly delicious,... Read More

Fleurie is Beaujolais more elegant, perfumed, Cru and this single vineyard example lives up to the reputation. Sappy in feel with floral aromatics and ripe red fruit all kept fresh by fine tannin and a dash of granite minerality.... Read More

Morgon gives cru Beaujolais concentration with an almost velvety mouth feel. As Wine Enthuisast says in the 92 point review, Deep purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of blackberry, blueberry and hints of hibiscus.... Read More

Organic/Bio Eric Bonnet took over his family estate in 1999, so he has 25 years of organic farming and careful winemaking experience behind him now. Which his how he’s able to coax so much flavor and intensity out of his... Read More

Organic/Bio From 80 year-old Grenache vines in the Rhone, fortified to keep some sugar, and aged in concrete. The wild strawberry, macerated cherry and blackberry fruit picks up a hint of bitter chocolate in the middle. It feels... Read More

Lower ABV Muscadet is bone dry, super crisp, lightly yeasty/salty white wine that was born to drink with oysters and shellfish - or with roast chicken, sharp cheeses or all by itself if you enjoy wines full of crisp green fruit... Read More

Lower ABV A classic Loire Valley Cabernet Franc done all in steel to capture the crunchy fruit and wild herb aromas. Wine Advocate says, The 2023 Trézeillières exhales a fruity, gourmand bouquet of cassis, raspberries,... Read More

Lower ABV Vincent Dampt makes straight ahead, no oak, no fuss, Chablis. As Vinous writes, this has a delineated bouquet with green apple, pear and granite scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with... Read More

Organic/Bio If you were a master of Loire Chenin Blanc, maker of wines often allocated, always highly praised, what would you make for a red? Francois Chidaine opted to go the other direction entirely, creating this country red... Read More

Normally you see a nicely priced Chardonnay from the South of France and can safely assume it was done in tank to emphasize the ripe pineapple, pear and apple fruit. Here there was so much fruit – really, gobs of it –... Read More

Lower ABV A group of young Loire Valley winemakers created Les Athlètes du Vin to showcase the wines they make from their own and neighbors' grapes in a friendly, natural, style. Which seems to suit Pineau d'Aunis... Read More

Lower ABV You rarely read winemakers’ notes here, but this one is too good even edit: “To enjoy the Marie’s cuvée, you have to enjoy simple things. Direct and immediate things. This wine is mainly about... Read More

Lower ABV From the lower French Alps on Mont Granier, this 100% Jacquere delivers terrific texture without weight and loads of flavor without turning fruity. You’ll smell wild mountain herbs and citrus zest and then taste... Read More

Organic/Bio Like most Mary Taylor wines, there’s a great story here of an under-appreciated growing region and a crazy dedicated organic farmer/winemaker. Google it – it’s great! Or just pour a big glass of this... Read More