Discover the Best French Wines for Fall Pairings
As the weather cools and fall’s richer, heartier foods take center stage, choosing wines with succulent acidity and robust texture is key. Here are top picks for red and white wines from Champagne, Languedoc, Bordeaux, Auvergne, and Provence, each perfectly suited to complement fattier, heavier seasonal dishes.
**Champagne**
*Champagne Telmont Brut – 94-95 points*
With a unique deep amber color and 12% alcohol, Telmont Brut offers refined aromas of peach, apricot, orange peel, and raspberries. Fine bubbles greet the palate, followed by a crisp, generous mouthful of white pears. This decadent Champagne is ideal served as an appetizer alongside scallops and textured brown bread.
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**Languedoc**
*Chateau Petit Roubié Vin Biologique, AOP Picpoul de Pinet, 2024 – 91-92 points*
This dry white wine (12.5% alcohol) shines with a lime-toned hue and brisk, mineral aromatics—lemongrass and salinity are prominent. Fresh and balanced, its tropical fruit notes and snappy finish of eucalyptus and spearmint pair wonderfully with edamame on a late Friday afternoon.
*Domaine de Petit Roubié Clapotis, AOP Picpoul de Pinet, 2024 – 92 points*
Generous, fresh aromas of lime, watermelon, almond, and minerality precede a vibrant palate of spearmint, tangerines, and oceanic salinity. With a glossy mouthfeel, this wine is a fisherman’s ally—try it with shrimp, sole, and buttery couscous flavored with rosemary.
*Château Saint Jacques d’Albas Minervois La Chapelle, 2021 – 93+ points*
An 80/20 Syrah/Grenache blend aged in large oak barrels for fruit preservation, offering notes of maple syrup, bacon, and violets. Juicy and creamy on the tongue with sleek acidity and non-obtrusive tannins. Pair with beef tenderloin, mushrooms, and Hasselback potatoes for an elegant fall dinner.
*Château Saint Jacques d’Albas Douceur d’Automne, 2023 – 93-94 points*
Part of the limited La Collection series, this Petit Manseng sweet wine has aromas of honey, lemon drops, and pears. More acidic and citric than Sauternes, it is reminiscent of South African Vin de Constance. Ideal with foie gras and rich, tropical fruits.
*En Attendant, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2022 – 93-94 points*
Crafted by French sommelier Emily Seguy, this organic blend of Rolle, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc (13%) is light orange in color with brisk aromas of green apples, grapefruit, and mandarins. The palate is juicy, creamy, and lush with lime notes—excellent with seafood, fall vegetables, and boiled potatoes.
*Domaine de La Clapière Gatefer, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2022 – 91 points*
A 14% alcohol blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, sourced from both Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. Aromas of cherries, mint, earth, and bramble precede flavors of mocha, chocolate, black licorice, and figs. Soft tannins and bright acidity make this a perfect companion to hearty lamb tajine.
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**Bordeaux**
*Tour Prignac Grande Réserve, Medoc, 2021 – 92 points*
This Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red (13%) offers aromas of petrol, forest, lava cake, and hazelnut chocolate. Expect hearty mocha, cherries, and bouillon flavors, balanced with sage. Pair with soy-marinated beef and wild rice pilaf.
*Château Gaby, Canon-Fronsac, 2018 – 93-94 points*
Winemaker Damien Landouar delivers rich aromas of black pepper, molasses, bacon, currants, and cherries. Flavors of cherries and blackberries give way to a textured palate and long, seductive finish—perfect with hearty vegetable and beef broth.
*Château Ferrande, Graves, 2023 – 93-94 points*
A 50/50 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend (13.5%), bright with cherries, raspberries, and sage aromas. Fresh attack, balanced mid palate, and a finish hinted with tarragon and black licorice. Pair with meat fondue or teriyaki-marinated New York strip.
*Château Plain Point, Fronsac Blanc, 2024 – 91+ points*
Made from 100% Sémillon, aged in both barrels and steel (12%). Aromas of grapefruit and tropicals carry through to a sharp, rounded palate of mandarins. Match with Dover sole and baked potatoes slathered in butter.
*Château du Bousquet, Cotes de Bourg, 2022 – 93+ points*
A 14% alcohol right bank blend (Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc) with opulent aromas of roses and mocha. Rich flavors of cherries, Provençal herbs, and licorice are balanced by soft tannins and a cherry-orange finish. Pair with grilled lamb and tabouli.
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**Auvergne**
*Joia, IGP Vin de pays du Puy de Dôme – 93 points*
From France’s central volcanic massif, Emily Seguy crafts this 13% alcohol blend of Syrah, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. Blackcurrant, smoke, tar, and leather aromas precede a creamy, textured palate with chocolate and brisk orange acidity on the finish. Serve with juicy lamb and couscous.
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**Provence**
*Château Chevalier Grand Blanc, Côtes de Provence, 2024 – 91+ points*
A 65/20/25 Rolle/Clairette/Sémillon blend (13%), with lively aromas of limes, green apples, candy cane, and fruit punch. Oily, silky mouthfeel, balanced citrus, and a plush finish with white pears and pineapple. Pair with butterscotch dessert. Only 8,666 bottles produced.
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**Pairings for Fall:**
These wines each bring lively acidity and texture to the table, pairing beautifully with the rich, comforting flavors of autumn. From scallops and seafood to lamb and hearty stews, explore France’s diverse regions for the perfect match for your favorite fall meals. Cheers!
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