I am your opposite. I find California an endless headache but I took to French wines easily and naturally; like a fish to water. To rattle off what sounds like a string of
, I found in general their balance, elegance, and purity stunning. After all these years, in general still the best wines in the world.
Anyway, here are a few points from my experience that might help:
Like everyone else has said, reading and research. I started learning my way around France with a small paperback by Alex Bespaloff that had a nice survey of French wines and a good intro to the AOC system. Don’t let all the place names confuse you. Think in larger blocks at first: Bdx, Burgundy, N. Rhone, S. Rhone, Loire. That can help, then fill in the local names. Each region has a hierarchy of quality, or at least reputation.
Izzy makes a great point. What interests you about American wine? Cab, syrah, pinot? Start there. If you like syrah, then the Northen Rhone is the place for you. Get to know your areas of interest first. Lew is right; the AOC system is great consumer-wise; very organized though it requires some memorization.
Remember, there are excellent values at all price points, from all places. There are plenty of values in the $15-25 range. I am most passionate about Burgundy and the Northern Rhone, and my average wine is $40-50, and I will rarely pay over $70 for bottle. The worst mistake is to believe that unless they bankrupt you, French wines aren’t worth it. I don’t buy just anyone or anywhere in Burgundy; some of the prices are IMO absurd. But with a careful eye I find plenty of excellent wines that are at the (relatively inexpensive) 1er cru or village level.
Finally, experiment. If you see some odd French wine that catches your eye, give it a try. That is how I discovered the existence of Cote de Brouilly, Madiran, Saumur, and Bugey. And they were all enjoyable, educational experiences in the $15-25 range.