We’ve got 20 of the best french wines under $20
Can you drink the best French wines on the cheap? Mais Oui! Check out our top 20 list of the best french wines under $20. We found some serious gems.
If you ever hear someone calling the French “rude”, remind them that the French have kissed us with tongue titillating wines that are less than our monthly Netflix subscription, and that’s just about the kindest thing a country has ever offered us — other than French fries (actually invented in Belgium).
There are numerous french wines under $20 that are 90+ point wines. Not just your summer lovin’ rosé, but big, bold and breathy Bordeaux and ravaging Rhônes. How many of these leggy wines have graced your glass?
here are The Best French Wines Under $20
Château La Papeterie Montagne-Saint-Émilion 2019
Château La Papeterie Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of the best french red wines under $20. A charming Bordeaux that fills your glass with aromas of blackberries, grilled plums, tree bark, mushrooms and lemon peel. It’s on the medium to full-bodied side with tannins that are grainy and firm leaving you with a nice, lasting finish.
Coming in under $20 with an average price of $14
Points: James Suckling 91
Chateau Blaignan Crus Bourgeois Medoc 2016
The Chateau Blaignan Crus Bourgeois Medoc is a solidly good french wine with intense flavors of dark forest berries and red currants give this wine weight and layers that can be peeled away on your palate revealing well-balanced tannins and a soft, yet juicy acidity.
Average Price: $18
Points: James Suckling 92
Vacheron Sancerre 2020
If you gasped when you saw the Vacheron Sancerre on our list of french wines under $20 your reaction was correct. The Vacheron Sancerre is one of the best french white wines I’ve had. I added points because it’s under $20. This bright and balanced wine is from an organic and biodynamic winery where white fruits were harvested to create this refreshing, yet rich wine with herbal tones and citrus acidity. You will not find this online for under $54 but you will find it under $20 at your local wine shop, assuming they have any left.
Average Price: $19
Points: Wine Enthusiast 92
Tentation de Dalem Fronsac 2017
A juicy and finely grained Fronsac from Bordeaux with notes of black cherries and dark plums that gives the wine a unique character with a pleasant acidity.
Average Price: $14
Points: James Suckling 92
Château La Valade Côtes de Blaye 2019
The Château La Valade Côtes de Blaye is a stunning Bordeaux that bursts into your palate with notes of ripe, fresh fruits — black cherries and raspberries. This is a top french wine. Well-balanced with textured layers. The last sip leaves a pleasing spice and oak finish.
Average Price: $14
Points: James Suckling 92
Domaine de la Solitude Vin de la Solitude Blanc Côtes du Rhône 2020
A sexy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM) that leads with tasting notes of black fruits, licorice and spice and ends with a decadent finish. Medium to full-bodied that goes perfect with a meat-cheese charcuterie and oily fish like salmon. GSM is an extremely popular french wine.
Average Price: $16
Points: Jeb Dunnuck 92
Apertus Cheval Quancard Premières Côtes Bordeaux 2020
This wine has some zest to it. Like an grown-up lemonade stand, this light Bordeaux is selling vibrant notes of pineapple, lemons and peaches which gives it a nice honey glow. The blend of sweet and citrus feel like your first love, minus the heartbreak. Let it be known the Apertus Cheval Quancard Premières Côtes Bordeaux is a very good french white wine.
Average Price: $14
Points: James Suckling 92
Château La Prade Francs Côtes De Bordeaux 2015
The Château La Prade Francs Côtes De Bordeaux is a gorgeous french wine that plays on your palate long after your first sip. You’ll taste notes of plums and chocolate with a slight floral hint of violets. Satin and round tannins that give to its inviting texture and delicate finish. A great everyday wine to open without occasion.
Average Price: $19
Points: James Suckling 92
Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes Rouge 2019
The Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes Rouge 2019 is a medium to full-bodied red wine that offers a complexity of flavors and aromas blending blueberries, strawberries and wild flowers. A slight peppery flavor that bites the tongue leaving a textured finish.
Average Price: $17
Points: James Suckling 92
Olema Rose Côtes de Provence 2021
We try not to play favorites but this one is a special girl.
Olema Rose Côtes de Provence 2021 is a vibrant blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah grapes that conjures up aromas of white pepper and roses with some cherries, slate and crushed stone to add to the complexity. It’s creamy on the palate but has a nice medium-bodied finish.
Average Price: $18
Points: James Suckling 92
Gassier Costieres De Nimes Nostre Païs Rouge 2017
Gassier Costieres De Nimes Nostre Païs Rouge 2017 is one of the top french red wines under $20. This wine could be more complex than your last relationship with blends of ripe grenache, the spice of syrah, and bold Rhone varietals. A full-bodied wine that brings with it a richness of sweet red fruits, black pepper and a floral bouquet full of enticing aromas.
Average Price: $19
Points: Jeb Dunnuck 93
Okay, this image is totally tacky (thanks Canva) but these wines are not!
Château La Marzelle Bordeaux 2018
The Château La Marzelle Bordeaux is a hit-you-in-your-face type of wine that has a knockout blend of intense fruits, rich structure, and bold tannins.
Average Price: $19
Points: Wine Enthusiast 93
Château Landat Haut Medoc 2016
Cozy up with this deep and dark Bordeaux. The Château Landat Haut Medoc marries flavors of black fruit and blueberries and is one of the best Bordeaux wines coming in under $20 we’ve ever tasted. Powerful aromas on the nose, but smooth and sexy on the palate. A slight herbal taste on the finish with a bright acidity that lights the way to an overall complex glass of wine.
Average Price $18
Points: James Suckling 93
Madone Beaujolais Villages Le Perreon Jean Bererd Bio 2020
Like a boozy onion, the Madone Beaujolais Villages Le Perreon Jean Bererd Bio has layers upon layers that tickle your palate — sweet cherries, berries, rose petals and potpourri. A medium to full-bodied wine that coats your tongue with velvety tannins. Structured, with lively acids and succulent fruits. Beaujolais is definitely one our favorite wine regions in France.
Average Price: $19
Points: Wine Advocate 93
Château Lagüe Fronsac 2019
Château Lagüe Fronsac, 2019 is focused, full-bodied french red wine with luscious tasting notes of currant, blueberries, and orange peels. Very aromatic. The finish is juicy and long-lasting like a naughty jolly rancher.
Average Price: $17
Points: James Suckling 93
Lafage Narassa Rouge Côtes Catalanes 2019
Once the Lafage Narassa wine hits your palate, you’ll marvel at how they can get away with charging so little. Made of mostly Grenache with a small percentage of Syrah, this dark purple wine gives off notes of blueberries, kirsch liqueur, smoked game and a floral bouquet of bright violets and calming lavender. Medium to full-bodied that is rich in flavor, intense in minerals lending to its dynamic complexity.
Average Price: $19
Points: Jeb Dunnuck 93
Guy Mousset Côtes du Rhône Reserve 2021
Are you looking for the best affordable Côtes du Rhône you can find? This is it. Your palate will be instantly transported to the South of France with this Rhône blend that screams of succulent strawberries and aromatic herbs. Best paired with meaty dishes like chicken and lamb.
Average Price: $14
Points: James Suckling 95
Camille Cayran Cairanne Grande Reserve, 2020
Get lost in this black forest wine where grenache and syrah grapes seduce your palate with notes of blackberries and blueberries. Smooth, well-balanced, silky and soft like your favorite fuzzy blanket. It’s one of those wines you pop open and can drink on the spot.
Average Price: $14
Points: Decanter 96
Doisy Daene Barsac 2019
Run, don’t walk to your wine shop to grab this up immediately. It’s going for $65 online. This golden hue bottle of wine will immediately have you glowing when that note of creamy lemon tart with flaky crust hits your palate. Citrus, nectarines and lime flavors fill up the rest of your cheeks for an overall well-balanced and decadent wine.
Average Price: $19
Points: Wine Advocate & Decanter 96
Bonpas Côtes du Rhône Villages Croix de Bonpas 2018
This elegant wine is focused and layered with aromas of licorice, spice and herbs. Your palate with pick up notes of juicy dark fruits and spicy oak. Pure class.
Average Price: $14
Points: Decanter 96
Bonus French Sparkling Wine Under $20
What is the best French Champagne? All Champagne is French (because Champagne is a wine region in France) so that seems like a trick question.
However, you can get a fantastic sparkling wine for under $20. Charles de Fere Cuvée Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut hails from the Loire Valley. This baby comes in at $12. Small bubbles, bright and fruity on the nose. This wine has aromas of apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Typical of Chenin Blanc.
We said “best” a lot in this list. We were so thrilled to find the top 20 french wines under $20 that we could hardly contain ourselves. And you know what, they were all the best.
As you can see from this list, you can eat your cake and have your French wine too. If only Marie Antoinette had offered the peasants some delicious, yet affordable cheap wine, maybe she’d still have her pretty little head.
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Best French Wines Under $20 FAQ
What is the most famous wine in France?
What is the most famous wine in France? The most famous wine in France is Château Mouton Rothschild from the Pauillac region in Bordeaux but you will most certainly not find this on our 20 best french wines under $20 list.
What is the best French Champagne?
All Champagne is French so that seems like a trick question. However, you can get a fantastic sparkling wine for under $20. Charles de Fere Cuvée Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut hails from the Loire Valley. This baby comes in at $12. Small bubbles, bright and fruity on the nose. This wine has aromas of apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Typical of Chenin Blanc.
What are the five famous wines of France?
France has many, many native grape varieties. Most are become popular all around the world. These varietals are cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir, and sauvignon blanc.
What wine should I order in France?
Wine is subjective. We’ll let you know that we gravitate towards Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and of course Champagne. Oh yeah and Sancerre. And, Chardonnay. Can’t forget about Côte du Rhône. And, Rosé. Okay here’s a real tip. Allow your garcon to choose the wine. We love to do that. Make sure you give them a price point. Don’t let them bring out a $60 bottle if your budget is $40. Seriously. You’ll enjoy it more if it’s within your price range.
Author: Tiffany Carter
Tiffany is a contributing writer to Armchair Sommelier. When she isn’t writing about wine, the California native is touring local wineries (Hello Napa and Paso!) and filling her glass across the globe (Ciao, Tuscany!). She loves a full-bodied cab, but she plays favorites when it comes to a spicy Zinfandel or juicy Malbec. Her fridge is stocked with a bottle of sparkling rosé for emergencies. Hint: there’s always an emergency. You can follow Tiffany @winetastetravel.
