There is something distinctive about the French approach to dining. Meals are treated with care, made to be savored rather than rushed. That is how Julien and I imagined this French collection for you.
Eight months ago, we sat down to taste our way across France. We sampled around 100 wines, discussed each one carefully, and selected the bottles we felt best captured the character of the country. We chose them with one thought in mind: what we would pour if you were sitting here at the table with us.
A small tip before you begin: open the wines ahead of time and let them breathe.
The only exception is the Champagne — chill it for a couple of hours and open it when the moment feels right.
The Beginning: A Light Welcome
Champagne Allouchery-Deguerne ‘Sélection’ Premier Cru
A good dinner begins with Champagne. Crisp and bright, with notes of lemon and brioche, this bottle feels like an invitation — the first signal that something special is about to begin.
We would start with oysters, especially in the cooler months. The briny freshness of oysters and the sharp lift of Champagne have complemented one another for generations, each bringing more energy to the other.
If oysters are not your choice, crusty bread with creamy cheese works beautifully too. Simple ingredients, but instantly elevated.
Champagne region: around 1.5 hours by train from Paris
Climate: cool, often misty
Domaine de Noiré ‘Caractère’ 2018, Chinon
Now we move to Chinon in the Loire Valley.
This Cabernet Franc has floral and herbal notes, with a touch of cured meat — a wine that feels rustic and lively, like a walk through a French market on an autumn morning.
At this point, the charcuterie board belongs in the middle of the table:
Spanish ham
French cheeses
Fig jam
This wine handles rich, salty flavors beautifully, cutting through them and keeping the table lively.
Loire Valley, Chinon: around 2 hours from Paris
Climate: mild and temperate
For the Main Course: Bold Flavors
Château Romanin ‘Grand Vin’ 2018, Provence
From Provence comes a wine with warmth and depth:
Cedar wood
Ripe berries
A hint of tobacco
This is not a quiet wine — it needs a dish with equal presence.
Peppercorn steak is the natural pairing. The richness of the meat draws out the fruit, while the pepper highlights the subtle spice in the glass.
This is where wine and food begin to work as one.
Provence: around 3 hours from Paris
Climate: warm Mediterranean
Domaine des Florets ‘Alliance’ 2022, Gigondas
Next comes Gigondas in the Rhône Valley.
This Grenache-Syrah blend shows:
Dark chocolate
Black currant
Wood smoke
Rich, but still refined.
A slow-cooked Bolognese is ideal here — generous, comforting, and shared at the center of the table.
The fruit in the wine lifts the depth of the sauce, making each bite more expressive.
Rhône Valley: around 2.5 hours from Paris
Climate: Mediterranean
To Close the Meal: Earthy Comforts
Sylvain Paturaux ‘La Presle’ 2022, Fleurie
Beaujolais has always had charm, and this Fleurie continues that tradition.
Expect:
Bright berries
Fresh herbs
Crisp freshness
A mushroom risotto fits perfectly here — earthy, creamy, and seasonal.
The wine’s acidity refreshes the palate and keeps the dish feeling balanced.
Beaujolais: around 4 hours from Paris
Climate: mild, with brisk evenings
Château Tasta ‘T de Tasta’ 2019, Canon-Fronsac
To finish, Bordeaux.
This wine is deep and soulful, showing:
Dark cherry
Roasted hazelnut
Coffee notes
It is a wine to pour slowly as the evening winds down.
Roasted lamb is the ideal pairing, though duck also works beautifully — anything rich enough to let the wine show its depth.
Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux: around 2.5 hours from Paris
Climate: moderate, with golden autumn days
Bring the Collection to Life
That is how we imagined this collection if you were sitting here with us.
You can open the bottles over several weeks or gather friends and build a long dinner around them.
Share how you enjoyed them:
explorers@bonnerprivatewines.com
Tell us:
Which bottle stood out
What you paired it with
The stories shared around the table
That is what these wines are made for — unhurried moments, shared properly.
À votre santé,
Diego
