When one asks «how many grape varieties are there in France?», the answer is more precise than one might imagine: France officially has 298 grape varieties listed in the national catalogue.

However, only a fraction of them is truly dominant: 20 grape varieties cover alone about 87% of the French vineyard.

This dual reality, historical diversity and modern concentration, perfectly reflects the viticultural identity of the country: a unique richness, shaped by terroirs, climate, and centuries of expertise.

What is a grape variety?

A grape variety is quite simply a variety of vine.

Each one possesses:

• Aromatic characteristics (red fruits, flowers, citrus, etc.)
• An ability to adapt to a climate
• A more or less early maturity
• A tannic, acidic, or alcoholic potential

In French history, it was the monks, starting in the Middle Ages, who selected and propagated the grape varieties adapted to each terroir. Then, over the centuries, the environment, diseases (phylloxera), the evolution of consumption, and knowledge of the soils have shaped the current map of French grape varieties.

| What does cépage mean?

Are grape varieties blended in wine?

Indeed, this practice, known as «blending» (assemblage), is often used. It aims to provide balance, complexity, and consistency from one vintage to the next.

Bordeaux is the best example: Merlot brings roundness, Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure, and Cabernet Franc brings freshness.

Discover more about Bordeaux grape varieties: Bordeaux grape varieties

Some regions, on the other hand, favor single-varietal wines (mono-cépage), such as Burgundy with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

How many grape varieties are there in France?

Here is the known and confirmed data to date:

• 298 grape varieties are listed in the official French catalogue
• A large majority is very little planted
• 20 grape varieties cover 87% of the vineyard surface area
• The most common are: Merlot, Ugni Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, etc.

In other words, France possesses exceptional diversity, but production relies heavily on a limited number of varieties.

What about regional diversity?

Bordeaux and the South-West

The Bordeaux region is one of the global symbols of wine. It rests on a mosaic of terroirs (gravel, clay-limestone, sand, silt) that explain the diversity and quality of its wines. The emblematic grape varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, to which Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère are occasionally added. Merlot largely dominates the plantings because it adapts particularly well to the cool clay-limestone soils of the right bank.

In the South-West, the diversity is even more marked: Malbec in Cahors, Tannat in Madiran, Négrette in Fronton, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng in Jurançon, Duras, Fer Servadou, and Prunelard in the Gaillac region. This richness in indigenous grape varieties is a direct heritage of the historic pre-phylloxera vineyard, which has conserved more old varieties than Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is one of the rare vineyards in the world where the wines benefit from planetary recognition. This visibility secures investment and sustainably enhances the value of properties, even in a fluctuating economic context. The existence of a historical classification (1855, Saint-Émilion, Graves, etc.) also reinforces this stability.

Contrary to popular belief, investing in Bordeaux is not reserved for large groups or «prestigious châteaux».

There are:

• Accessible “heritage” wine estates (notably in Bordeaux, Castillon, Fronsac, Entre-Deux-Mers),
• High-end properties in the iconic appellations,
• As well as vineyards in the South-West that are particularly attractive in terms of quality-surface-price ratio.

This variety allows the investment to be adapted to the project: commercial production, patrimonial diversification, brand creation, oenotourism, etc.

The Burgundy region and the Rhône Valley

Two philosophies, two universes…

In the Burgundy region: the purity of the grape variety

• Pinot Noir (red)
• Chardonnay (white)

Here, the terroir is paramount, and a single grape variety is enough to express the entire personality of a place.

In the Rhône Valley: diversity and complementarity

• Syrah (North)
• Grenache (South)
• Mourvèdre, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne

The Rhône offers a range of styles, from spicy and full-bodied red wine to floral white wines.

Loire, Alsace, and Provence

Due to their own climate, each of these regions has the capacity to showcase a sample that answers the question: «How many grape varieties are there in France?»

In the Loire

Great diversity: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Melon de Bourgogne, Cabernet Franc…

In Alsace

The kingdom of aromatic grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat…

In Provence

Mediterranean climate dictates: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre…

The climate plays a determining role here, influencing the freshness, aromas, and style of the wines.

Why does this diversity constitute the strength of the French viticultural heritage?

The diversity of grape varieties in France is one of the pillars of its worldwide renown.

It represents:

• A multi-secular cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation
• Economic wealth thanks to the variety of appellations and styles
• A tourist strength attracting amateurs and professionals from around the world
• An asset for the future, thanks to grape varieties capable of adapting to climate change

This viticultural mosaic also contributes to the growing interest in purchasing wine properties.

Investing in a vineyard to prolong the tradition of French grape varieties

Vineyards-Bordeaux supports investors and enthusiasts in the acquisition of:

• Wine estates
• Exceptional properties
• Specialized vineyards
• Reconversion or establishment projects

The South-West is today a particularly promising region: attractive prices, diversity of grape varieties, quality terroirs, and living heritage.

Owning a wine estate means participating in the safeguarding and transmission of the great French grape varieties, a rare and sought-after patrimonial value. And thanks to our expertise, you benefit from tailor-made support, from the selection of the property to the finalization of the purchase, while discovering the unique potential of each estate, whether it is for production, diversification of your heritage, or the development of an oenotourism project.