<p>It&#39;s possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little <a href="https://winefolly.com/courses/" title="Wine Folly Online Courses">wine education</a> goes a long way. </p>



It's possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little [wine education](https://winefolly.com/courses/ "Wine Folly Online Courses") goes a long way. 

On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine 

<p>France has long been <em>THE</em> global influencer in the wine industry. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, its wines have shaped how we drink and think about wine today. In fact, of the top ten grape varieties planted worldwide, seven — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec — hail from France. Let’s explore the nine most famous French wines that continue to inspire winemakers globally and set the gold standard for excellence.</p>
<h2 id="the-classics-french-grapes-that-define-wine">The Classics: French Grapes That Define Wine</h2>
<h3 id="cabernet-sauvignon---bordeaux">Cabernet Sauvignon - Bordeaux</h3>
<p>Bordeaux’s <a href="https://bordeaux.guides.winefolly.com/regions/left-bank-medoc/">Left Bank</a> is the heartland of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>, thanks to its <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/introduction-soil-types-wine/">gravelly soils</a>. A well-made Bordeaux Cabernet boasts aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle spices, with bold tannins perfect for aging. It’s a wine that epitomizes complexity and refinement, though quality often comes with a price tag.</p>
<h3 id="merlot---saint-émilion">Merlot - Saint-Émilion</h3>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/merlot/">Merlot</a> finds its pinnacle in Saint-Émilion, where clay-limestone soils create velvety wines with plum, blackberry, and chocolate notes. Softer and more approachable than Cabernet, Merlot is the crowd-pleaser of French reds.</p>
<h3 id="chardonnay---three-styles">Chardonnay - Three Styles</h3>
<p>French <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a> showcases its versatility across three iconic regions.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/chablis-wine-guide/"><strong>Chablis</strong></a>: Crisp, mineral-driven wines from limestone-rich soils. Think green apple and lemon zest — pure and unoaked.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/white-burgundy-tasting-pairing-and-french-chardonnay/"><strong>Meursault</strong></a>: Rich and creamy, with oak-aged notes of vanilla and butter from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/wine-folly-handy-champagne-guide/"><strong>Champagne</strong></a>: The celebratory Blanc de Blancs style is sparkling Chardonnay at its finest.</p>
<h3 id="syrah---hermitage">Syrah - Hermitage</h3>
<p>Hermitage, nestled in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/northern-rhone-wine-french-syrah/">Northern Rhône Valley</a>, is the pinnacle of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a>’s expression. The region’s granite soils produce wines of remarkable intensity, showcasing flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper, with a hint of smokiness. These wines are built to age, boasting firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Due to Hermitage’s small size and prestige, bottles can be pricey, but neighboring appellations like Saint-Joseph offer excellent Syrah at a more accessible cost.</p>
<h3 id="sauvignon-blanc---sancerre">Sauvignon Blanc - Sancerre</h3>
<p>Sancerre highlights <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/sauvignon-blanc/">Sauvignon Blanc</a>’s vibrant, zesty side in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/loire-valley-wine-guide/">Loire Valley</a>. With flavors of grapefruit, peach, and fresh-cut grass, it’s a refreshing classic.</p>
<h3 id="pinot-noir---burgundy">Pinot Noir - Burgundy</h3>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/guide-to-burgundy-wine-with-maps/">Burgundy</a>’s Côte de Nuits is <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a>’s masterpiece, offering wines of elegance and depth with cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.</p>
<h3 id="malbec---cahors">Malbec - Cahors</h3>
<p>Though now famous in Argentina, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/malbec/">Malbec</a>’s roots are in Cahors. Expect intense blackberry and smoky-earthy flavors, perfect with hearty meals.</p>
<h2 id="the-new-world-connection">The New World Connection</h2>
<p>French grapes don’t just dominate in France; they’ve conquered the New World. Countries like the <a href="https://winefolly.com/regions/">U.S., Australia, and Argentina</a> have built their wine industries on these varieties, adapting French styles to their unique terroirs. From <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-napa-cabernet/">California Cabernet</a> to <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/mendoza-malbec-vs-cahors-malbec/">Argentinian Malbec</a>, the influence is clear.</p>
<h2 id="a-paradigm-shift-in-wine">A Paradigm Shift in Wine</h2>
<p>While France’s influence is undeniable, a new wave is emerging. Winemakers worldwide are embracing lesser-known grapes like Portugal’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Nacional</a> and Italy’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/nero-davola/">Nero d’Avola</a>. It’s an exciting time to explore beyond the classics, though France remains the perfect starting point for understanding the world of wine.</p>


9 Most Famous French Wines

<p>Learning to pair wine with food is like solving a puzzle — once the pieces fit, everything clicks. But even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts encounter challenges, like notorious “unpairable” foods. At the top of that list? Brussels sprouts. This culinary conundrum set the stage for an adventurous pairing experiment, diving into the complexities of wine and one of the trickiest vegetables to match.</p>
<h2 id="whats-in-this-video">What’s In This Video?</h2>
<p>Brussels sprouts are often a polarizing vegetable, but when prepared correctly, they can transform into an irresistible side dish - yet are still notoriously tricky to pair with wine. Thankfully, a trip to Sebastopol’s Blue Ridge Kitchen and The Punchdown wine bar gave the perfect chance to experiment and uncover the secrets to pairing this veggie with wine.</p>
<p>At Blue Ridge Kitchen, Chef Matt, a fellow Brussels sprout enthusiast, prepares these little gems to perfection: caramelized in the fryer, seasoned with salt, brightened with lemon juice, and drizzled with a surprising pomegranate sauce. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors sparks the realization that these elements (<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-acidity-in-wine/">acidity</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-pairing/food-and-wine-pairing-at-home/#">umami</a>, and <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-sweetness-chart/">sweetness</a>) could guide the search for the ideal wine pairing.</p>
<p>At The Punchdown, a natural wine bar known for its unconventional selections, the challenge comes to a head with an exploration of the “unsanctioned” world of <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/really-natural-wine/">natural wines</a>. With guidance from DC, one of the bar&#39;s knowledgeable wine experts, three contenders were chosen to pair with the Brussels sprouts:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/3-wines-that-will-change-the-way-you-think-about/">Savagnin</a> – A lemony white with zesty, green notes.</p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/orange-wine/">Orange Wine</a> – Made from white grapes left on their skins, offering bold aromas and funky complexity.</p>
</li>
<li><p>“Tutti Fruity” – A slightly off-dry red with wild, fruity flavors.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>The tasting revealed some surprises. The orange wine, while aromatic, turned bitter against the sprouts’ sulfuric notes. The “Tutti Fruity” red, with its hint of sweetness, worked surprisingly well but needed more residual sugar to truly shine. The standout was the Savagnin. Its bright citrus notes complemented the sprouts’ lemon juice and umami richness, creating a harmonious pairing.</p>
<p>The experiment highlighted an exciting takeaway: a whole world of unconventional food and wine pairings is waiting to be explored. </p>
<h2 id="credits--shoutouts">Credits &amp; Shoutouts:</h2>
<p>Special thanks to Chef Matt at <a href="https://brkitchen.com">Blue Ridge Kitchen</a> for sharing his Brussels sprout recipe and DC at <a href="https://www.punchdownwine.com">The Punchdown</a> for guiding us through their selection of natural wines. </p>
<p>No wineries paid for placement in this video. If they did, then we’d be sure to let you know!</p>


The "Impossible" Food & Wine Pairing

<p>Call it CdP for short! If there is French wine everyone deserves to taste, it’s probably Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s the perfect gateway to French wine. </p>
<h2 id="whats-in-this-video">What&#39;s In This Video?</h2>
<p>This is the kind of wine that makes an impression: rich, heady, and perfumed with earthy undertones and bold fruit flavors that only get more complex as they age. It’s the crown jewel of the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/cotes-du-rhone-wine-with-maps/" title="Southern Rhône">Southern Rhône</a>. Yet, surprisingly, its prices haven’t skyrocketed like some other iconic wines, making it relatively accessible for those eager to dive into the world of classic French reds.</p>
<h3 id="where-châteauneuf-du-pape-comes-from">Where Châteauneuf-du-Pape Comes From</h3>
<p>Châteauneuf-du-Pape is in the sun-soaked Southern Rhône Valley, near the Mediterranean, receiving nearly as much sunshine as Los Angeles. The landscape is breathtakingly historic, with roots tracing back to 1309 when the Pope moved his seat to Avignon. “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” translates to “The Pope’s New Castle,” and the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-chateauneuf-du-pape-wine-and-more/">region’s ancient history</a> is woven into every bottle. As you explore the labels, you may even spot symbols like the Comtat Venaissin flag, reflecting the area’s storied past.</p>
<h3 id="the-grapes">The Grapes</h3>
<p>One of the fascinating aspects of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is its diversity of grape varieties. Unlike the Northern Rhône, where <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a> dominates, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can contain up to 13 official varieties (though wine geeks may note that it’s technically 20 if you count the color variants). The star grape here is <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/grenache/">Grenache</a>, making up over 70% of the plantings. Many winemakers blend Grenache with Syrah and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/monastrell-mourvedre/">Mourvèdre</a>, but some, like the highly sought-after Château Rayas, are known for their 100% Grenache expressions. This flexibility in blending creates wines that range from powerful and structured to lighter and more nuanced.</p>
<p>Adding to its prestige, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is France’s first appellation, established in 1923 by Baron Le Roy, a visionary winemaker who helped protect the region’s identity from imitation. His work laid the foundation for the French appellation system, ensuring that only wines from this unique terroir could bear the Châteauneuf-du-Pape name.</p>
<h3 id="how-châteauneuf-du-pape-tastes">How Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tastes</h3>
<p>Tasting a Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a sensory experience. Expect rich raspberry and plummy fruit flavors. As it evolves, you’ll taste notes of leather, game, and herbs along with oak, and a structure that speaks of the region’s clay and limestone soils, which add tannic depth and acidity. Keep an eye out for old-vine bottles, which produce concentrated flavors and often note “Vieilles Vignes” on the label. </p>
<p>For more, read our <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-chateauneuf-du-pape-wine-and-more/">Châteauneuf-du-Pape deep dive</a>, which includes more on the region&#39;s terroir, bottles to try, and versions made with white grapes. </p>
<h2 id="credits--shoutouts">Credits &amp; Shoutouts:</h2>
<p>No wineries paid for placement in this video. If they did, then we’d be sure to let you know. Praise to our sponsors and members who support fun and accessible wine education.</p>


On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine

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