Everything you need to know about good french wine & VAT refund
Choosing a good French wine can feel like navigating a maze. With dozens of regions, hundreds of appellations, and labels like “grand cru”, “premier cru”, or “AOC”, even seasoned wine lovers may struggle to decide what’s worth the cork.
The challenge? Understanding what makes a French wine "good" beyond just price or prestige.
In this complete guide, you will discover everything you need to confidently select, taste, and enjoy French wine. From grand cru secrets to regional gems, food pairings, vintage tips, and savvy VAT refund advice using Zapptax, this guide is your best ally !
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TL;DR - Key points
- French wine is rooted in terroir and tradition, with labels focusing on origin more than grape variety.
- Grand cru represents the highest vineyard classification in regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, and Alsace.
- Explore standout regions : Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Rhône, Provence, Alsace, and Champagne. Each with distinct grape varieties and styles
- Excellent wines exist at all price levels, including AOC and Vin de France, not just grand cru.
- Vintage matters : top years (e.g., Bordeaux 2015, Burgundy 2019) offer better aging potential and value.
- Use Zapptax to reclaim up to 90% of the VAT on wine purchases made in France, turning great bottles into smart buys.
What makes a good French wine ?
Good French wine isn’t defined by price, but by balance, typicity, and terroir expression. French winemakers prioritize the land over the grape variety, what’s known as the terroir philosophy.
Whether you’re sipping a Bordeaux, a Crémant from Alsace, or a rosé from Provence, the hallmark of quality is how well the wine reflects its origin and how harmoniously it pairs with food.
What is “cru”, “premier cru”, and “grand cru” ?
These terms can be confusing, but they’re key to understanding French wine quality:
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Cru means “growth” or a recognized quality site.
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Premier cru (first growth) designates very good vineyards, often just below the best.
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Grand cru (great growth) is reserved for the most prestigious vineyard sites in Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace—and for top-classified châteaux in Bordeaux.
Each region has its own interpretation of these terms. For instance:
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In Burgundy, grand cru wines come from specific vineyards like Montrachet or Chambertin, producing small quantities with aging potential.
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In Bordeaux, grand cru is tied to classifications (like the 1855 Médoc ranking), with labels such as Château Margaux or Château Latour.
What are the wine regions and their grand cru labels ?
By Region, primary Grapes and Grand Cru Context :
- Bordeaux ; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot - Grand Cru Classé châteaux from Médoc, Graves, and Saint-Émilion.
- Burgundy ; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay - Grand cru vineyards like Montrachet, Richebourg.
- Champagne ; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir - Grand cru designations apply to villages (e.g., Ambonnay, Aÿ).
- Alsace ; Riesling, Gewürztraminer - 51 single-vineyard Grand Cru sites like Schlossberg.
- Rhône, Loire, Provence ; Grenache, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc - No formal grand cru, but top AOC wines are widely respected.
Top bottles to try (at every budget)
Under €25
- Crémant d’Alsace (sparkling white)
- Bordeaux Supérieur (Merlot-dominant red)
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine (dry Loire white)
Between €25–50
- Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc)
- Vacqueyras (Southern Rhône red)
- Premier Cru Chablis (Chardonnay)
Over €50
- Grand Cru Champagne (e.g., Egly-Ouriet)
- Château Pichon Longueville Baron (Bordeaux)
- Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (Burgundy Pinot Noir)
Grand cru : when does it matter?
Grand cru wines are known for :
- Exceptional terroir
- Strict regulations and yields
- Superior aging potential
However, good French wine doesn’t have to be grand cru. Many AOC-level or even Vin de France wines are delicious, expressive, and far more affordable. Look for reliable producers, solid vintages, and good storage practices to find great wine at any level.
Where can I buy good wine ?
When in France, there are several excellent options for buying good wine:
- Cavistes (wine shops) : Independent wine merchants are often passionate and knowledgeable. They can guide you to hidden gems, food pairings, and producers not found in supermarkets.
- Supermarkets : Chains like Intermarché, Monoprix, and Leclerc often carry a wide selection of affordable French wines, including regional specialties and occasional grand crus.
- Wineries and vineyards : Visiting a vineyard offers the most immersive experience. You will meet the producers, taste before buying, and often access better prices.
- Wine fairs and salons : These events bring together producers from all over France, allowing you to taste and buy directly.
- Duty-free shops : At airports, you can find well-curated selections, although prices may vary.
No matter where you shop, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Locals are usually proud of their regional wines and happy to help you discover something special.
How to buy good French wine ?
Whether you’re shopping at a wine merchant, a French supermarket, or visiting a vineyard, here’s how to choose wisely:
- Learn the region styles : Understand which grapes dominate where.
- Use vintage charts : Great years (e.g., 2015, 2016 in Bordeaux; 2019 in Burgundy) yield better bottles.
- Seek value in lesser-known areas : Cahors, Languedoc, or Ventoux offer hidden gems.
- Avoid tourist traps : Shop in local wine boutiques or cooperatives when possible.
- Ask for recommendations : Sommeliers and cavistes are great guides.
- Use the Zapptax app to get your VAT refund on eligible wine purchases.
How to claim VAT on wine with Zapptax ?
Want to save even more on your shopping ? If you live outside the EU, you're entitled to a VAT refund on pretty much all your purchases made during your trip to France, even on wine. And good news, Zapptax makes the process effortless.
What is Zapptax ?
Zapptax is a free mobile app that simplifies and digitizes the VAT refund process. Unlike traditional systems tied to paperwork or specific stores, Zapptax gives you freedom : shop where you like (as long as you ask the store to issue an invoice made out to Zapptax) and still get your VAT back. Whether you're shopping at outlets, boutiques, or even online, you centralize all your invoices in one place and receive your VAT refund quickly, securely, and with fewer fees. It is the best way to shop tax-free !
Why is it perfect for wine shopping ?
- Reach €100 across multiple shops during your stay : No need to spend €100 in one place. Combine invoices from different stores, online or offline.
- Works in all stores : From flagship stores to wine merchants, as long as the retailer issues an invoice.
- Digital and seamless : No paperwork, no stress. Everything is managed in-app.
- Higher refunds : Receive up to 90% of your VAT, much higher than traditional operators.
- Reliable and trusted : Over 150,000 travelers already rely on Zapptax for a secure and hassle-free VAT refund experience.
- No passport required at store : Identity verification is securely and officially completed once a year within the app, ensuring your data is protected.
- 24/7 multilingual support : Expert assistance is always just a message away.
- Higher refunds : Get back up to 90% of the VAT, corresponding 15% of the total price (including VAT), much more than traditional operators.
To be eligible for a VAT refund, the wine must be new, unused, and in its original sealed packaging. Opened or partially consumed bottles are not eligible, and the goods must be exported outside the EU.
How does Zapptax work ?
When making a purchase, simply ask the store to issue an invoice with VAT before paying. Just request "an invoice with VAT in the name of a Zapptax" and provide the relevant Zapptax billing details for France. Importantly, stores are legally required to issue invoices upon request, and you are not obligated to justify why you're asking for one.
- Shop at your favorite stores or online during your trip.
- Ask for invoices made out to "Zapptax" (you’ll find exact details in the app).
- Upload your invoices directly into the app.
- Once your trip comes to an end and your total purchases reach at least €100 (VAT incl.), Zapptax generates your tax-free form.
- Before you leave the European Union, you must validate your tax-free form with French Customs. At most exit points (airport, train station, sea ports and road border crossings), you’ll find PABLO terminals where you can scan the barcode on your form for validation.
If there are no electronic terminals, a Customs agent will be able to validate your form electronically with a hand-device or by typing the number of your form. - Receive your refund within a few weeks via your preferred method : credit card, PayPal or bank account..
Zapptax enhances your Parisian shopping by giving you flexibility, simplicity, and maximum value, no matter where or how you shop.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to France and eager to discover some truly good French wine ? Whether you're wandering through vineyards in Bordeaux, exploring charming wine shops, or picking up a special bottle in Paris, this guide equips you with everything you need to make confident choices. From grand cru treasures to hidden regional gems, your journey through French wine is about to become even more rewarding.
So next time you shop in France, raise your glass with confidence and don’t forget to use Zapptax to make your purchase even smarter.
Santé !
FAQ
- What is French wine grand cru?
French wine grand cru is the highest classification for vineyard sites in France, used in Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, and in Bordeaux.
- Is grand cru always the best wine?
Not necessarily. It means top terroir and prestige, but taste, vintage, and winemaking matter too.
- How do you know if French wine is good?
Look for AOC or grand cru labels, solid producers, and good vintage years. Taste is always the final judge.
- Can I buy French wine and get the VAT back?
Yes, through Zapptax, you can reclaim VAT on wine purchases made during your trip to France.
- What’s the difference between premier cru and grand cru?
Premier cru is high quality, but grand cru sits at the very top of the hierarchy.
- What is the best French wine?
There is no single best French wine, it depends on your taste and pairing. However, Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé and Burgundy Grand Cru wines are often considered among the finest.
- Which French wine resembles Pinot Noir?
Red wines from Burgundy, especially from Côte de Nuits, are the classic expression of Pinot Noir.
- What is the most consumed wine in France?
Red wine remains the most consumed type in France, though rosé and white wines are also very popular, especially in summer.
- What is the best-selling French wine in the world?
Bordeaux is the most exported and globally recognized French wine, especially red blends.
- What is the most popular red wine among the French?
Merlot-based wines, especially from Bordeaux’s Right Bank (like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol), are widely favored in France.