Paris isn’t known for being a particularly great wine region (though there are a few vineyards in the city, including an historic one in Montmartre!) That said, Paris can be a fantastic place for discovering wine from all over France.

For many in the States, French wine boils down to a few regions: the tannic, robust reds of Bordeaux; the silky pinots of Burgundy; sparkling Champagne; white Sancerre from the Loire Valley. But there are other regions of France to uncover  – here are some of our favorites.

1. The Languedoc

This Southern French region suffered a poor reputation for years, but today, it’s one of our favorites, producing full-bodied reds that benefit from hotter, longer summers. Most wines in the Languedoc are made from an assemblage or blend of grapes: common varietals include carignan, syrah, mourvèdre, and grenache.

Try the natural wines from Marc Barriot or Fitou from Caves Mont Tauch for two distinctive but equally delicious iterations of this wine region.

2. Beaujolais

For many, Beaujolais is associated only with Beaujolais nouveau, the primeur wine released every third Thursday of November. But this slightly sweet, uncomplex bottle is more a marketing ploy than a real wine, and it unfortunately obscures the reputation of the delicious Beaujolais-Villages wines made in this region.

Beaujolais permits just one red wine grape – gamay – which is known for being relatively low in tannins, with a fruity flavor reminiscent of blackcurrant. A peppery finish is a common characteristic of these wines.

Try the organic wines from Maison Leynes for a Beaujolais experience you won’t soon forget.

3. Auvergne

The Auvergnat wine region suffered greatly during the two World Wars, but it has since rebuilt to become better than ever.  With only three permitted varietals – gamay, pinot noir, and chardonnay – Auvergne manages to create complex wines thanks in large part to its volcanic soil.

Try the natural wines from Patrick Bouju at Domaine la Bohème to taste this complexity for yourself!