Best French wines to drink in 2023

Score: 91/100

This well-structured red is a top choice when you have a little more to spend. The Bordeaux-blend is dominated by merlot, bringing with it cherry, blackberry and a lick of spice. Overall, it’s a smooth, well-rounded style for every occasion, a treat with slow-cooked beef, and organic to boot.

Score: 89/100

Harvey Nichols’ own-brand range is a treasure trove of quality wine, and as the name suggests this is made from grapes grown in a slightly superior area of Bordeaux. The quality shows, with jammy fruit, layers of savoury oak, a hint of smoke and a sweet cassis finish.

Another gem from the range is the lively and refreshing Harvey Nichols Chablis which was awarded 78/100 by our panel.

Score: 88/100

Not only did this cab sauv impress with its powerful palate, bold black fruit, and satisfying vanilla oak, but it's a sustainable choice too. The striking bottle is made with recycled materials, which makes it a great talking point on the dinner table.

The brand’s easy drinking chardonnay also appealed to the panel, picking up 80/100.

Score: 87/100

This wine shuns a particular region, using grapes from across France to create an easy drinking, well-priced red for every day. On the nose there’s a lovely herbaceous element, with tart redcurrant and raspberry coming through on the palate. Try it with stews, steak and soft cheese.

Score: 86/100

Rich, velvety and spicy, Cabalié is made with fruit from old vines for a concentrated flavour. Although dominated by spicy grenache, there’s also a little carignan in the blend, which adds intense black fruit to complement the lighter redcurrants. Overall, it’s a great match for herb-crusted roast lamb.

Score: 81/100

An un-oaked white burgundy such as this petit chablis is a classic choice at Christmas. Crisp, dry and refreshing, with flinty minerality, it will be stunning with smoked salmon, and take on turkey with ease too.

Score: 81/100

Testers loved this creamy chardonnay from the Languedoc region and felt it would pair perfectly with roast chicken. There’s a little oak, although it’s well-integrated, adding a rich mouthfeel, without overpowering.

Score: 80/100

A delightfully crisp sauvignon blanc from the chalky soils of the Loire region, this sancerre is crying out for a goat's cheese starter to accompany it. Our panel loved the stoney minerality and refreshing citrus acidity.

Score: 79/100

For a different take on French sauvignon blanc, this builds on the Loire’s flinty minerality, but has a more well-rounded mouthfeel, thanks to a buttery quality and whiff of smoke. It’s an excellent example of pouilly fume, pairing equally well with seafood and spicy food.

Score: 76/100

Elegant and soft, our panel loved this fruity wine, which offers sweet spice, red cherry and a fragrant floral nose. Perfect for a casual dinner party, it pairs equally well with charcuterie and mushroom risotto.

Score: 75/100

Part of Majestic’s Definition range — which aims to highlight the world’s best grapes at a great price — this chardonnay from Limoux is a steal. The combination of ripe peach, creamy vanilla oak and toasted coconut means it’s complex enough to stand up to creamy chicken and butter-based dishes.

Score: 74/100

This wine is a true reflection of the Loire’s terroir. Testers loved the vibrant palate, with notes of lemongrass, flint and lashings of minerality. It’s another excellent pairing for spicy food, or alternatively, goat's cheese. However, we’d avoid serving it ice cold, as that will only suppress its more nuanced notes.

Score: 72/100

If you’re cooking beef, you’ll need a rich red wine to do it justice. You can’t go wrong with this well-priced Bordeaux blend, with its structured tannins that supply a robust, meaty mouthfeel. Light, fruity redcurrant is layered with spicy, black pepper, building to a savoury leather finish.

Score: 70/100

Everyone needs a well-priced, everyday sauvignon blanc in the rack, and this one from the Loire Valley fits the bill perfectly. With its vibrant citrus fruit, herbaceous note and touch of blossom, it's a perfect match with grilled fish.

Score: 70/100

Although it’s not the cheapest, chablis can be a great alternative to champagne if you’re looking for a quality aperitif. The citrus-flecked nose and lingering minerality also pair well with shellfish should that be on the menu.