The top 50 most planted grape varieties in France

One third of the French vineyard is covered by three varieties: Merlot, Ugni Blanc and Grenache Noir” stated the latest report by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which analysed the varietal range in 52 countries in 2015 (for lack of more recent consolidated data). Listing the main grape varieties for wine, table grapes and raisins, the study crowned Merlot as the leading grape variety planted in France, with 112,200 hectares (14% of the French area under vine). Now an international grape variety with 268,200 ha worldwide, the emblem of Bordeaux remains firmly rooted in France (42% of the grape variety's acreage).

Toscano, Garnacha, Shiraz...

With 82,200 ha, Ugni blanc is the second most planted grape variety in France (10%), centred mainly on the Cognac region. Also known as Toscano globally, Ugni blanc is concentrated in France (74% of the world's acreage), with Italy accounting for just 21,300 ha by comparison (19%). Next comes Grenache Noir, more widely planted in France with 81,100 ha (half of the varietal’s global acreage), than in Spain (with 62,100 ha of Garnacha). Syrah is also more common in France with 64,000 ha (34% of the world’s acreage) than in Australia (40,000 ha of Shiraz).

Another international grape variety that remains predominantly French, Chardonnay covers 50,600 ha in France (i.e. 24% of the global area under vine), ahead of the United States (20%). Conversely, Cabernet-Sauvignon is now more widespread in China (60,000 ha, 18% of its total area under vine) than in France (48,100 ha, 14%).