Top 10 Best French Wine in Ireland
France is world-renowned for its wine – from bold Bordeaux wine to elegant Burgundy Pinot Noir. Irish wine lovers can now enjoy a taste of these French vineyards right at home. Below are ten outstanding French wines (red, white, rosé, and sparkling) available in Ireland.
Each selection showcases the rich heritage of French winemaking, whether it’s a rustic country red or a luxurious Champagne. Garrafeira da Ilha ships throughout Ireland, so you can easily have these French bottles delivered to your doorstep and toast “santé!” in no time.
Top 10 Best French Wine in Ireland
1. Ticket Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon (Red)
This smooth French wine blend offers tremendous value without skimping on flavor. A mix of Merlot and Cabernet (the classic grapes of Bordeaux wine), Ticket delivers ripe dark fruit notes (think blackcurrant and plum) with a whisper of oak. It’s medium-bodied with soft tannins, making it an easy-going French red wine for any casual occasion.
Despite its French pedigree, Ticket Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon is very affordable (around €5 a bottle), proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for a great French pour in Ireland.
2. Mere Oie Bio Merlot (Red)
An organic French wine that delights with authentic character, “La Mère L’Oie” (Mother Goose) Merlot is as charming as its name. It’s crafted in the sunny south of France (Pays d’Oc) using organic grapes, which shine through in the taste. You’ll notice plush plum and cherry aromas up front, followed by a velvety palate of ripe red berries and a hint of cocoa.
Soft tannins and a balanced finish make this Merlot a crowd-pleaser. Mere Oie Bio Merlot brings a bit of eco-friendly French vineyard magic to your glass – at a price that’s pleasantly down to earth (typically under €6).
3. Authentique Pinot Noir (Red)
Light, fruity, and thoroughly French wine, Authentique (or “Authentic”) Pinot Noir showcases the elegance of Burgundy’s signature grape at a fantastic value. This ruby-colored Pinot reveals lovely aromas of wild strawberry and rosemary, with subtle tea spice notes in the background.
The red wine is light-bodied and silky, offering flavors of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of earth – very much in the style of a classic Burgundy Pinot. It finishes soft and smooth, inviting you back for another sip. Whether paired with roast chicken or enjoyed on its own, Authentique Pinot Noir lets you experience a bit of Burgundy charm in Ireland without breaking the bank (usually around €10 or less).
4. Pardon My French Cabernet Sauvignon (Red)
Don’t let the playful name fool you – this Cabernet means business when it comes to flavor. Pardon My French Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the sunny vineyards of Pays d’Oc and bursts with dark berry fruit. You’ll taste blackberries and cassis wrapped in subtle notes of French oak and spice. Medium-bodied with a firm yet approachable structure, it’s a great French red to pair with steak, burgers, or hearty stews.
An added bonus is its innovative PET bottle, which is lighter than glass – meaning you can order more for the same shipping cost (eco-friendly and convenient!). Priced around €4–€5, this wine offers a fantastic combination of bold Cabernet character, French authenticity, and everyday affordability.
5. Ticket Viognier (White)
‘Ticket’ isn’t just about reds – their Viognier is a sumptuous French white wine that delivers far more than its price suggests. Hailing from the sun-drenched French vineyards of southern France, Ticket Viognier captivates with its aromatic intensity. A quick swirl unveils a bouquet of fragrant peach, apricot and orange blossom, with a touch of jasmine.
On the palate it’s medium-bodied and smooth, balancing lush fruitiness with a clean, crisp finish. This wine’s vibrant tropical and floral notes make it a perfect match for seafood, salads, or a creamy cheese plate. Usually available for around €6, Ticket Viognier is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore an aromatic French white that’s both elegant and budget-friendly.
6. Pardon My French Sauvignon Blanc (White)
Craving a zesty Sauvignon Blanc? Pardon My French Sauvignon Blanc delivers classic old-world character with a fun modern twist. It offers bright citrus and green apple aromas, along with herbaceous hints of cut grass – hallmark traits of the Sauvignon grape. Unlike some New World versions, this French Sauvignon Blanc leans into a more refined, crisp profile: think lemon, grapefruit, and a touch of gooseberry, all wrapped in refreshing acidity.
It’s wonderful as an apéritif or with goat cheese, fish, and green veggies. Similar to its Cabernet sibling, it comes in a lightweight PET bottle, so stocking up is easy and eco-conscious. At roughly €4 a bottle, this French white wine is an absolute steal for summer picnics and casual sipping alike.
7. Ticket Cinsault & Syrah Rosé (Rosé)
A charming French rosé that beautifully blends two classic Southern French grapes. Ticket Cinsault & Syrah Rosé captures the essence of sun-kissed Mediterranean vineyards. Its color is a bright salmon-pink, and it greets you with aromas of fresh-picked strawberries, raspberries, and a sprinkle of Provençal herbs.
This rosé is medium-bodied (a bit fuller than those ultra-light Provence rosés), thanks to the Syrah in the mix, and it offers juicy red berry flavors coupled with a subtle spice note. The finish is dry, crisp, and refreshing. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, a hearty salad, or just a sunny afternoon, this French wine brings a taste of summer. And with a price around €6, it’s an everyday luxury you can afford to enjoy often.
8. Henri Leblanc Crémant de Bourgogne (Sparkling)
For those who love Champagne-style sparkle without the Champagne price tag, Henri Leblanc Crémant de Bourgogne is a must-try. This elegant sparkling wine is produced in Burgundy using the traditional method (just like Champagne), resulting in fine bubbles and creamy texture.
Pale gold in the glass, it offers aromas of apple, white flowers, and a hint of brioche. On the palate, you’ll find crisp green apple, pear, and citrus flavors with a smooth, dry finish. It’s balanced and refined, perfect for celebrations or simply to elevate a Friday evening. At roughly €18–€20, this crémant delivers Champagne-esque finesse at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a taste of Burgundy’s best bubbles with Henri Leblanc – a French sparkling that proves you don’t need to splurge to sip in style.
9. Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne (Sparkling)
When it comes to authentic Champagne, Ayala Brut Majeur is a shining star from the heart of the Champagne region. Ayala is a historic Champagne house in Aÿ (now part of the Bollinger family), known for its dry and elegant style. Brut Majeur is their flagship cuvée, displaying a pale golden color and a stream of fine, persistent bubbles. Aromatic on the nose, it reveals notes of citrus, green apple, and white flowers.
The palate is well-balanced and delicate yet complex: expect flavors of lemon zest, pear, a touch of toasty brioche, and a lively minerality. Pinot Noir in the blend gives richness and length, Chardonnay adds finesse and freshness, and a dash of Pinot Meunier provides fruity roundness. This Champagne is perfect for celebrations, aperitifs, or pairing with seafood and light dishes. At about €55 a bottle, Ayala Brut Majeur offers true Grand Marque quality – a taste of French luxury that Irish Champagne lovers will appreciate.
10. Bollinger Rosé Brut Champagne (Sparkling)
We finish the list on a luxurious note. Bollinger Rosé is an iconic rosé Champagne that marries power and finesse like no other. In the glass, it shows off a gorgeous deep pink hue with bronze highlights – the result of Bollinger adding a portion of aged Pinot Noir still wine to its stellar Special Cuvée Champagne blend.
The nose is expressive with aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, and a hint of rose petals. Take a sip and you’ll experience a symphony of flavor: red summer berries, notes of toasted almonds and spices, and a subtle touch of tart cranberry, all carried by a fine mousse. This rosé’s texture is rich and silky, yet it finishes dry and refreshing, with the flavor lingering elegantly. Bollinger’s signature depth (from predominantly Grand and Premier Cru Pinot Noir) is on full display here, balanced by the vivacity of Chardonnay.
It’s the ultimate treat for Champagne connoisseurs. Pair it with fine cuisine (think duck, salmon, or even dessert) or enjoy it solo to celebrate a special moment. Around €80 a bottle, Bollinger Rosé Brut Champagne is a premium indulgence – truly one of the best French wine experiences you can have in a glass.
Cheers to enjoying the best of French wine in Ireland! Whether you prefer a rustic red, a crisp white, or festive fizz, France offers a bounty of flavors for every palate. These ten wines capture the spirit of French winemaking – from the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy to the Champagne hills – and bring it to your table. Enjoy exploring each bottle, and bon appétit!
