France has long been celebrated for its rich and diverse wine heritage. From the sun-soaked vineyards of Provence to the rolling hills of Burgundy, the country produces wines that cater to every palate. As we step into 2026, Maison Vauron has curated a selection of French wines that are capturing the attention of wine lovers worldwide. This guide highlights wines to explore this year, organized by style, so you can discover the perfect bottle for any occasion in New Zealand. Crisp and Refreshing Whites For those who love light, vibrant wines, French whites are a delight. They pair wonderfully with fresh seafood, salads, and lighter meals. Key regions producing crisp and refreshing whites include Loire Valley, Alsace, and Burgundy. Loire Valley (Sauvignon Blanc): Zesty citrus flavors and bright acidity make Loire Sauvignon Blanc perfect with oysters, fresh salads, goat cheese, and grilled fish. Maison Vauron features select Loire whites that elevate Kiwi seafood dishes. Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Blanc Terroirs 23 Alsace (Riesling and Pinot Gris): Rieslings offer green apple, lemon, and floral notes, while Pinot Gris is richer yet refreshing. Pair these wines with spicy Asian cuisine, sushi, shellfish, or lightly roasted chicken. Hospices de Colmar Riesling 23 Burgundy (Chablis): Lean, mineral-driven Chablis pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, scallops, and light cream sauces. Maison Vauron’s Chablis range offers wines that balance elegance and freshness. Domaine des Malandes Chablis 2023 Rich and Full-Bodied Whites For those who enjoy opulent white wines, regions like Burgundy and the Rhône Valley offer richness, complexity, and depth. These wines are ideal for pairing with roasted poultry, creamy sauces, or festive meals. Burgundy (Côte de Beaune): Expect ripe stone fruit, toasted nuts, and subtle minerality. Pair these whites with roast chicken, turkey with herb butter, creamy mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses. Maison Vauron provides a curated selection of these luxurious whites for New Zealand wine lovers. Chantal Lescure Cote de Beaune Topes Bizot Rhône Valley (Viognier and Marsanne): Viognier’s floral and stone fruit character complements duck, seafood in creamy sauces, and lightly spiced curries. Marsanne and Roussanne blends are ideal with roasted pork, gratins, or richer poultry dishes. Jean-Michel Gerin Viognier La Champine Gaillard St Peray Blanc Vibrant Rosés French rosés have surged in popularity globally thanks to their versatility and elegant fruit-driven flavors. Provence remains the benchmark, but Maison Vauron also features exceptional options from other regions. Provence: Light, delicate, and crisp, Provence rosés show strawberry, raspberry, and subtle herbal notes. Pair with goat cheese, grilled prawns, summer salads, or charcuterie boards. Clos Cibonne Cibonne Tentations Rose 24 Loire Valley: Cabernet Franc rosés have bright red berry flavors and crisp acidity. Excellent with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or light pasta dishes. Château de Fesles Rose Anjou Tavel (Southern Rhône): Full-bodied and darker in color, Tavel rosés pair wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes, grilled fish, barbecue, or tomato-based pasta. Domaine Lafond Tavel Rose Elegant Reds Elegant reds are ideal for wine lovers who enjoy subtle fruit, soft tannins, and refined wines that pair effortlessly with a wide range of dishes. Maison Vauron has curated a selection of these approachable reds for 2026. Burgundy (Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais): Silky Pinot Noir with bright red cherry, raspberry, and floral notes. Pair with roast chicken, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, or lightly herbed lamb. Buxy Mercurey Rouge 20/22 Beaujolais (Gamay): Light, fresh, and fruit-driven. Ideal slightly chilled with antipasti, charcuterie, roast vegetables, or salmon dishes. Cru Beaujolais like Morgon or Fleurie adds extra depth. Piron Beaujolais Cadoles Loire Valley (Cabernet Franc): Soft reds from Chinon and Saumur-Champigny showcase red fruit and gentle herbaceous notes. Pair with grilled poultry, roasted vegetables, or goat cheese tart.Odoul Coquard Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Combottes 21Louis Boillot Gevrey 1er Cru Champonnet 21Burgundy (Côte de Nuits): Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin or Vosne-Romanée complements roast duck, game birds, mushroom sauces, or creamy pasta dishes. Robust Reds For those seeking bold and structured wines, France offers exceptional reds. Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines suit steak, braised beef, roasted lamb, and rich mushroom dishes. Merlot-dominant Right Bank wines are excellent with roasted duck or hearty stews. Château Haut Bergey Pessac Leognan 2010 Rhône Valley: Southern Rhône blends are perfect with barbecued meats, grilled vegetables, or cassoulet. Northern Rhône Syrahs pair beautifully with braised beef, lamb, or aged cheeses.JL Chave Selection Crozes Hermitage Silene 23 Sparkling and Celebration Wines No French wine selection is complete without sparkling options. Champagne: Crisp acidity and fine bubbles make Champagne versatile. Enjoy with oysters, fried foods, poultry, soft cheeses, or as a celebratory aperitif. Maison Vauron offers both vintage and non-vintage Champagnes ideal for New Zealand celebrations. Boizel Brut Reserve NV Gatinois Grand Cru Brut NV Crémant: Produced in Burgundy, Alsace, Loire, and Limoux, Crémant is lively and fresh. Pair with seafood, light appetizers, brunch dishes, or even fruity desserts. Rolet Cremant du Jura Blanc BrutMonmousseau Cremant de Loire Orfevre Unique and Emerging Wines For adventurous wine lovers, Maison Vauron highlights lesser-known regions producing distinctive wines. Jura and Savoie: Whites like Savagnin and Roussanne are fascinating with regional cheeses, roasted chicken, or creamy fish dishes. Dupraz Montracul Apremont Languedoc-Roussillon: Exceptional red blends pair well with grilled meats, ratatouille, or Mediterranean cuisine, while crisp whites are great with fresh salads and seafood. Lascaux Carra Pic St Loup 23 Corsica: Indigenous reds and whites complement Mediterranean dishes, charcuterie, grilled fish, or vegetable tarts. Domaine Fazi Corsica Ile de Beaute Rose FAQ – French Wines in 2026 with Maison Vauron1. What are the best French wines to try in 2026? Maison Vauron recommends crisp Loire Sauvignon Blancs, aromatic Alsace Rieslings, elegant Burgundy Pinot Noirs, robust Bordeaux reds, delicate Provence rosés, and sparkling Champagnes or Crémants. 2. Which French wine regions should I explore? Key regions include Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Alsace, Provence, Jura, Savoie, and Corsica. Maison Vauron stocks wines from all these regions. 3. How should I pair French wines with food? Crisp whites: seafood, salads, light dishes Rich whites: creamy sauces, roasted poultry, cheese Rosés: Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables, charcuterie Elegant reds: light meats, poultry, vegetarian dishes Robust reds: grilled meats, hearty stews, aged cheeses Sparkling wines: appetizers, main courses, or desserts 4. What is the difference between Champagne and Crémant? Champagne comes from the Champagne region and is often more complex and age-worthy. Crémant comes from Burgundy, Alsace, Loire, or Limoux and is a fresh, affordable alternative. 5. Are there French wines suitable for beginners? Yes. Maison Vauron highlights approachable wines such as elegant reds, crisp whites, and Provence rosés. 6. How can I discover unique French wines in New Zealand?Exploring Jura, Savoie, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Corsica through Maison Vauron’s curated selection allows Kiwi wine lovers to access rare and distinctive bottles.