French Wine Regions Offer Perfect Pairings for Autumnal Cuisine
PARIS, FRANCE - November 16, 2025 – As temperatures drop and seasonal flavors emerge, wine enthusiasts are seeking the perfect bottles to complement fall’s hearty dishes. Recent evaluations highlight exceptional wines from five French regions – Bordeaux, Auvergne, Provence, and Côtes de Bourg – offering a diverse range of pairings for autumnal meals.
Bordeaux’s Fronsac & Bourg Regions Deliver Complexity
From the Bordeaux region, Plain Point Castle’s 2024 white wine, a 100% Sémillon, earned 91+ points. Aged 10 months in both French barrels and steel, the 12% alcohol wine presents “rich and fresh aromas with tropicals that include grapefruit” and a “slight salinity.” Tasting notes describe a “sharp acidity” and a “rounded and soft mid palate” with flavors of mandarins, ideal for pairing with a Dover sole and baked potatoes.
Also from Bordeaux, Château du Bousquet’s 2022 Côtes de Bourg, a 14% alcohol right bank wine, showcases the region’s signature Malbec alongside Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The wine boasts “rich, rounded, perfumed aromas of roses and also mocha,” with flavors of “red cherries, herbs of Provence and red licorice.” Its “rounded soft tannins” and “long cherry/orange finish” make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled lamb and tabouli.
Auvergne’s Volcanic Terroir Yields Bold flavors
Venturing into central France,Joy’s IGP Vin de pays from Puy de Dôme received 93 points. crafted by Emily Seguy in collaboration with Domaine Gilles persilier, this 13% alcohol blend of Syrah, Gamay, and Pinot Noir offers “serious blackcurrant/cassis aromas, as well as some smoke, tar and leather.” The wine is described as “punchy” and ”creamy” with “rich chocolate flavors” and a ”brisk citric orange acidity,” pairing well with hearty fall dinners like lamb and couscous.
Provence Offers Luminous Whites for Seasonal Desserts
From Provence, Château Chevalier’s 2024 Great White, a blend of 65% Rolle, 20% Clairette, and 25% Sémillon with 13% alcohol, presents aromas of “limes, green apples, candy cane and fruit punch.” The wine offers a “bright fresh attack” and a “silky mouth feel” with flavors of “soft citrus” and a “honey polish from Sémillon.” Its “plush finish” of white pears and pineapple chunks makes it an excellent match for rich butterscotch desserts. Only 8,666 bottles were produced.
