France | French Natural Wine
France is known as a pioneer in both winemaking and the natural wine movement, and is known for wines made of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc. Popular natural wine producers in France include Pierre Overnoy, Patrick Bouju, and Frederic Cossard.
Chardonnay Longefin (Jura)
Didier Grappe
VERY reductive, needs lots of air
Les fees Papillon Syrah Rose
La Vrille et le Papillon
Classic Style from Ardeche
Fleurie Cuvée Spaciale 2020
Chateau de Grand Pré
Woody. Forest fruit. Cinnamon stick
Beaujolais Blanc 2022
Chateau de Grand Pré
Rounded Chardonnay. Honeysuckle & Vanilla
Le Patriot 2021 (off dry)
Domaine de L'Horizon
For those who like a little sweetness...
A pioneer in natural winemaking
In 2020, France was the first country to approve an official label for naturally produced wines - wines packaged with “"Vin Méthode Nature" must be made from chemical-free grapes, handpicked, fermented with native yeast, and only a small amount of sulfur dioxide can be added (with the final wine containing less than 30 milligrams per liter).
Popular French regions & producers
Jura, a tiny region on the Swiss border with a smaller yield, is famed for its unusual and distinct winemaking practices and use of the grapes Savagnin,Trousseau, Ploussard, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
In central France, the Loire Valley is known for grapes Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, while Beaujolais produces nearly all Gamay wines.
Some of the best French Natural Wine Producers include:
• Jean-Pierre Robinot
• Patrick Bouju
• Matassa
• Jean-Foillard
• Tony Bornard
• L’Octavin
• Frederic Cossard
• Pierre Overnoy
• Pierre Frick
• Dard et Ribo