Because it just makes sense to drink French wine while enjoying this year’s summer Olympics.

I don’t know about you, but recently, my news cycle has been full of two things: the U.S. election cycle (oy…) and the Paris Olympics. While Americans duke it out politically, the French are preparing for one of their most important cultural moments in decades: hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s been one hundred years since the last iteration took place in the city of lights, and by all accounts, it’s sure to be a show stopper. From reportedly dazzling displays of the best of French and Francophone culture at the opening ceremonies to watching some of the Greatest Of All Time excel on a global stage (we see you and your comeback, Simone Biles), here’s a list of the 10 superb French wines I can’t wait to open with friends during the Olympics.
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier, “Longitude”, Leon & Sons – $89
Pairs well with: The Opening Ceremonies
There is truly no argument: the opening ceremonies simply must be enjoyed with a good bottle of organic and biodynamic grower Champagne. Is there anything else more celebratory, modern, or French?! Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is a trailblazer in the Champagne world. I was lucky enough to pay them a visit this spring and I was blown away by almost every cuvée – but Longitude took the cake for me. An absolutely stunning Champagne that is equal parts celebratory and gourmand. Worth every penny.
Thomas Santamaria, “Le Dilemme d’Achille”, Patrimonio Rosé (Corsica), The Wine Store Malboro – $32
Pairs well with: Swimming
Corsican rosé is having a moment in France – the last few times I’ve been it’s simply everywhere. Some of its best iterations are starting to make their way stateside, too, like this one, from Millennial winemaker Thomas Santamaria. The perfect activity to watch while drinking this structured, superb medium-bodied rosé? Swimming, bien sur! Corsica is a small island off the coast of France, traded between France and Italy throughout the ages (and famous for being Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace), so water is everywhere. They might be swimming in the Seine this year (supposedly…we’ll see won’t we?!) but while you watch, pretend you’re on a wild, rocky beach with a view.

Catherine Le Gœuil, Côtes du Rhône Blanc – The Wine Concierge, $28
Pairs well with: Gymnastics
The idea of a white Côtes du Rhône is a little foreign to the average American. Red? Sure – that’s commonplace. But the whites are a little fewer and farther between and their grape combinations – often a blend of more unfamiliar Rhône varieties like Bourboulenc and Clairette – need some mental gymnastics to wrap your head around. That makes my favorite wine from this category perfect to pair with one of the most exciting sports in the Olympics: gymnastics. This stunning wine from trailblazing winemaker Catherine Le Gœuil is refreshing and light, yet also has a serious complexity to it that will make you want to return sip after sip. Perfect for watching those gymnasts land some flights of fancy!

Maison Lorgeril, Ô de Rosé – Languedoc – Wine Château, $19
Pairs well with: Beach Volleyball
Arguably one of the most quintessential summer sports, Beach Volleyball is just one of those things that has the potential to put you in a great mood. I don’t know where exactly in Paris they’re holding this, but if it’s anywhere with a view of Paris it’ll be hard to be sad – no matter what’s going on in the world. Enter this new rosé from Maison Lorgeril. It’s fun, uncomplicated, and the leading note is raspberry jolly rancher. It screams summer, just like beach volleyball.
Château Climens, Bordeaux Blanc “Asphodèle” – Total Wine, $41
Pairs well with: Diving
With temperatures soaring across the U.S., the first thing I’ve wanted to do every day for a month has been to dive straight into a pool of cold water. It makes me dream of a carefree summer in Bordeaux, with languorous days spent by the Bassin d’Arcachon, a dreamy bay an hour southwest of Bordeaux. The perfect wine for this dream? Bordeaux Blanc. It’s quickly becoming my favorite appellation from the area, and Château Climens is a leader with its superb lineup. The Asphodèle continues to be my favorite, with fresh, inviting notes of apricot, honeysuckle, and white pear.
Château La Mascaronne, Côtes de Provence rosé – Plum Market, $19
Pairs well with: Basketball
You might think wine and basketball would be an unlikely pairing. In recent years though, basketball stars from around the world have begun investing in fine wine – from Carmelo Anthony to Dwayne Wade and beyond. French Basketball Superstar, Tony Parker, recently invested a majority stake in Château La Mascaronne, so this pairing just makes all kinds of sense! One of the first major French athletes to reinvest in the wine scene, this château is taking off – and their cuvées are a slam dunk.

Victorine de Chastenay, Crémant de Bourgogne – Wine.com, $22
Pairs well with: Cycling
To accommodate the Paris Olympics, this year’s Tour de France had a unique path – and part of it went straight through some of Bourgogne’s greatest vineyards. With this in mind, it only feels right to celebrate the sport of cycling with my favorite crémant from Victorine de Chastenay. I’m tough on sparkling wines – and picky even with Champagne – but this one is currently my favorite non-Champagne French sparkling. It is elegant, with fine bubbles and a clean, precise mouthfeel. And for $22 it is an absolute steal!

Thierry Germain, Saumur-Champigny “Franc de Pied”, Flatiron Wines – $49
Pairs well with: Equestrian
If you’ve not yet had the pleasure of driving through the Loire Valley, you might be surprised to hear that Saumur is actually known outside of the wine world for its equestrian culture. It’s home to some of the best riding schools in the world and is France’s horse-riding hub (thanks in part to all those fancy nobles who built castles in the Loire years ago and needed a place to train their horses). As an hommage to the region, pairing the sport with the area’s most famous wine just makes sense. Thierry Germain at Les Roches Neuves is a star winemaker there. His organic and biodynamic approach to wine makes his cuvées standout for their terroir expressions. Try this one and you won’t be disappointed.
No matter which country or athlete you’re rooting for, this year’s summer Olympics in Paris are sure to be incredible. Take some time to enjoy these superb French wines with friends to enhance the experience and you won’t be disappointed.
Looking for more wine recommendations? Check out 8 Excellent Gamay Wines from Beaujolais or 5 Fabulous Rosés That Aren’t from Provence. Enjoy, santé !