Corsica is a mountainous island with vineyards planted from sea level to over 400 meters in elevation. This variation in altitude — combined with maritime breezes and abundant sunshine — gives wines natural freshness and aromatic lift.

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, but the mountains introduce cool nights and long growing seasons. Soils vary widely across the island: granite in the north, schist in the east, volcanic in the west, and sandy soils along the coast — each contributing to the complexity of Corsican wines.

Alsace sits between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east. This geographic shield creates a rain shadow, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France — ideal for ripening aromatic grapes.

Vineyards are planted along east-facing slopes at varying elevations. The region’s complex geology — with over a dozen soil types within short distances — contributes to highly distinctive wines. Terroir is celebrated through the Grand Cru system and emerging focus on lieu-dits (named vineyard sites).

Stretching along the Mediterranean from the Rhône River to the Spanish border, the Languedoc encompasses a vast range of terrains — from coastal plains to inland hills and garrigue-covered slopes.

Its Mediterranean climate ensures warm, dry growing conditions with plentiful sunshine and cooling sea breezes. The terrain and microclimates vary significantly, with volcanic soils in the north (e.g. in the Terrasses du Larzac) and limestone-rich areas closer to the coast.

The result is remarkable stylistic diversity — perfect for ripe, sun-kissed reds, crisp whites, and refreshing rosés.

Burgundy lies in eastern France, between Dijon and Lyon. Its climate is continental — with cold winters, hot summers, and unpredictable weather (especially spring frosts and summer hail).

The region’s magic lies in its geology: millions of years of tectonic activity created a mosaic of soil types, particularly limestone and marl, which define the flavor of the wines. The vineyards are often arranged on gentle slopes for optimal drainage and sun exposure.

Located in southeastern France, Provence stretches from the Rhône River to the Italian border. Its climate is typically Mediterranean — hot, dry summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine — ideal for ripening grapes while retaining freshness.

The mistral wind plays a crucial role, keeping vineyards dry and disease-free. Diverse soils and varied elevations — from coastal plains to limestone foothills — contribute to a wide range of microclimates and wine styles.

The Rhône River runs from Lyon to the Mediterranean, dividing the region into two distinct parts:

• Northern Rhône: A narrow strip of steep, terraced vineyards with a continental climate. Here, Syrah reigns — often mono-varietal — producing deep, structured reds. Whites from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne are elegant and perfumed.
  
• Southern Rhône: A broad, sun-drenched landscape with flat vineyards and garrigue-covered hills. Blends dominate, especially GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre), with generous fruit, spice, and warmth. The mistral wind is a defining climatic feature, reducing disease pressure and concentrating grapes.
  
  
  

Champagne lies about 90 miles northeast of Paris and is the northernmost major wine region in France. Its cool continental climate ensures slow grape ripening, preserving acidity — ideal for sparkling wines.

The region’s distinctive chalk and limestone subsoils offer excellent drainage and impart mineral purity. Slopes and elevation vary across subregions, affecting grape expression and ripening. The combination of cold weather and mineral soils is essential to Champagne’s finesse and aging potential.

The Loire River is the lifeblood of the region, carving through diverse subregions from the Atlantic coast to central France. Elevation varies slightly but soils shift dramatically, influencing wine character.

• Pays Nantais (maritime): Cool and ocean-influenced
  
• Anjou-Saumur & Touraine (mild, continental): Varied soils, balanced seasons
  
• Upper Loire (continental): Cold winters and hot summers, great for aromatic whites

These differences in climate and soil produce a broad range of styles — from bone-dry to lusciously sweet — and reward producers focused on freshness and purity.

Bordeaux is divided by the Gironde Estuary and its two rivers, the Garonne and Dordogne, creating distinct winemaking areas known as the Left Bank and Right Bank. Each area has its own soil types, grape preferences, and wine styles.

The Left Bank, including the Médoc and Graves, is known for its gravelly soils that are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines tend to be more tannic and structured, requiring longer aging to reach their potential.

The Right Bank, including Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, has more clay and limestone soils that favor Merlot. These wines are typically softer, fruitier, and approachable at a younger age while still offering complexity and aging potential.