News — French Wine

Wine Paris 2026 has drawn a record global crowd and turned the French capital into a high‑energy showroom for premium European wine, from iconic châteaux to rising organic Prosecco and next‑generation Italian estates.

French winemakers have been given the green light to change a centuries-old tradition: a new national law passed in late 2025 now permits the addition of sugar (as grape must) to dry wines, a revolutionary step, especially for Bordeaux.

In a landmark moment for the industry, Château Sigalas Rabaud, a prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Sauternes, has announced the release of its first non-alcoholic sweet white wine, validating the growing demand for premium no-alcohol options.

As the 2023 En Primeur campaign approaches, a consensus is forming among top critics, including JamesSuckling.com: the 2023 Bordeaux vintage is a triumph of "classic" style, defined by moderate alcohol, freshness, and an elegance reminiscent of the great vintages of the 1980s.