Bordeaux

• The vineyards clustered around the Gironde estuary near Bordeaux produce legendary red wine, for which the old-fashioned name is claret. Chateau Latour and Chateau Petrus are only two of the most renowned. Cabernet sauvignon and merlot are the main grapes used.

Burgundy

• France's other superb red wine region lies in the east central part of the country. A small area called the Cote d'Or produces the most sought-after wines, all made from the pinot noir grape but everyday Beaujolais (made from gamay) also is a Burgundy wine.

The Rhone Valley

• South of Burgundy, the Rhone River's vineyards are the source for expensive Cote Rotie and Hermitage wines. They are made from the syrah grape. The more accessible Chateauneuf du Pape, a blend of many grapes, comes from the southern Rhone area.

The Loire Valley

• Acidic and refreshing reds, like Chinon and Bourgueil, are made from the Loire's cabernet franc grape.

Alsace

• Though very much a white wine region, Alsace does produce some pinot noir.

Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence

• Two of the best-known red wines of these large areas of southern France are Banyuls, a sweet, fortified wine, and Bandol. Bandol is named for its home in Provence.