Buying Wine in France

Bottled and carton wine are sold in all mass-market retailers, through independent wine retailers (magasins de vins et spiritueux/cavistes) who can give you specialist advice, and wine cooperatives (the Co-op system) who sell wine from the local vineyards. Cooperative wine is usually good value and so is wine bought during the wine promotion periods run by the big supermarket chains. Supermarkets have display boards giving general advice about wine to accompany different food.

Buying mail-order, especially if you bulk up your order for your medium-term requirements and/or make a bulk order with friends, is worthwhile. Make sure you've already tasted the wine. This can be a particularly good way to buy Champagne - the real thing is always marked 'Champagne' on the label - as acceptable Champagne is at least 15€ for a 75 cl bottle through retailers. A Champagne contact on the spot in the Champagne area should be treasured. Ensure you have tested dry (brut) and sweet (doux) Champagnes for your preference. And don't forget local wine fairs (foires de vins), or any other local food fairs for that matter, giving you the golden and free opportunity to test the local offerings before buying.

Rosé wine is often regarded by French people, unlike the British, as a 'hybrid' wine, a refreshing but not necessarily tasty accompaniment to summer pizzas and salads. Sales have in fact increased recently throughout France by 10 percent.