French wine is making a comeback on the world stage, with both quality and variety well-represented on wine shelves. Young and enthusiastic French winemakers are joining the ranks of established Châteaux and Domains, adding excitement to an already dynamic selection of wines.

With countless opportunities to enjoy fine wine in 2025, here are our Top 10 French Red Wines for the year.

1. Bordeaux - Chateau Les Bertrands Cuvée Prestige

This unique right-bank claret hails from Blaye, one of the five old Premier Côtes de Bordeaux. Run by the ninth-generation Dubois family, Château Les Bertrands blends local Merlot and Cabernet to create a singular wine filled with red and black fruit, complemented by a velvety palate and the perfume of twelve months in oak barrels. Although ready to drink now, this oaky red has excellent ageing potential.

2. Beaujolais - Domaine Matray Julienas Vieilles Vignes

A perfect example of high-end Beaujolais, this gem from Domaine Matray in Cru Juliénas, demonstrates that red wine made from the cherry-flavoured Gamay can indeed age. Expect a full-bodied and expressive wine showcasing black currants and blackberries, with hints of oak spices over a refreshing palate. The grapes come from the estate’s rare 75-year-old vines.

3. Burgundy - Domaine Dupont-Fahn Monthelie 1er Cru Les Vignes Rondes

This year, great value comes from Burgundy’s ‘Golden Slope,’ especially from communal appellations like Monthélie. Domaine Dupont-Fahn’s hand-picked Pinot Noir originates from a 2.7-hectare south-facing Premier Cru overlooking the town. The wine opens with the signature black cherry aromas of Pinot Noir, leading to an elegantly smooth palate that lingers with the scent of fresh black fruit and undergrowth.

4. Bordeaux - Chateau de Bonhoste Cuvee Bonheur

Labelled as Bordeaux Supérieur, this rewarding red wine comes from the acclaimed vineyards around Saint-Émilion. Made entirely from the Fournier family’s estate Cabernet Franc, this versatile wine offers red fruit aromas, tobacco and earthy undertones across a textured palate. It’s perfect for pairing with beef, pork, or cheese at the dinner table.

5. Rhone - Raspail-Ay Gigondas

This extraordinary wine, composed of 80% Grenache and 15% Syrah, is a wonderful representation of the Rhône Valley’s rustic and wild red wines. Its bouquet features red fruit, earthy aromas, and spices, while the palate is characterised by a full body, round tannins, and refreshing acidity. This is one of the finest wines in Gigondas and a flagship offering from the traditionalist Domaine Raspail-Ay—a true masterpiece.

6. Alsace - Joseph Cattin Pinot Noir

Recent warm temperatures have elevated Alsatian Pinot Noir, and few wines exemplify the style as well as Domaine Joseph Cattin’s elegant offerings. With a 300-year history, the winery takes a traditionalist approach and maintains manicured vineyards to produce wine with pure fruit aromas mingling with floral notes, and a light-bodied, refreshing palate.

7. Languedoc - Villa Dondona Montepeyroux

From the sunny terraced hills of Montpeyroux near Montpellier, Villa Dondona demonstrates that Languedoc has much to offer. This award-winning blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache hails from an 8.5-hectare organic vineyard and exudes rustic charm in both nose and palate. Expect a warm and full body supporting scents of red fruit and spices—an energetic and versatile red wine.

8. Languedoc - Domaine Pierre Cros Tradition and Respect

One of the most exciting wines from the Minervois appellation, this is a beautiful representation of winemaker Pierre Cros’ philosophy: power, intensity, and balance. A blend of local grapes, primarily Carignan, Cinsault, and Grenache, results in a bold, textured wine with rich black fruit and alluring spice aromas, balancing boldness with undeniable elegance.

9. Loire - Kevin et Karine Lauverjat Sancerre Moulin des Vrilleres Red

From the hills of Sancerre overlooking the Loire, this elegant Pinot Noir reflects the Lauverjat family’s meticulous attention to detail.

Fresh, light-bodied, and refined, this Pinot Noir shines at the table, with pristine black fruit aromas and supple tannins, showcasing a story of balance and purity of flavour.

10. South West - Domaine Roumagnac Finca

South West wines make our list of top French red wines for 2025 for their extraordinary improvement. From the village of Villematier in the Haute-Garonne region, within the Fronton appellation, the winemakers at Domaine Roumagnac elevate the local Négrette grape by blending it with Syrah and Gamay.

They create a fruit-forward and spicy wine with a velvety palate and a delightful aftertaste. The estate’s ‘Finca’ cuvée is one of the region’s most notable red wines, making it an excellent addition to any wine collection.