The bulk of the unsold wine falls pretty much in the later category. Most Beaujolias, for example, is pretty thin and mediocre stuff which as long been overpriced because of (1) the novelty value (heaviliy promoted) of Nouveau Beaujolias, (2) the 9 classified growths of Beaujolais which can sometimes be decent, and (3) lack of light, fresh red alternatives as simple burgundies (pinot noir) became expensive (and pinot noir wines made elsewhere were neither common nor particularly successful). Now, as tastes have changed, people are less satisfied with gamay-based wines, and the alternatives at more attractive prices from South American and Australia, as well as the increase in the availablity of inexpensive (if pretty tasteless) simple pinot noir based wines from the Pacific Northwest and California.
It's curious, but over the past 5 years or so, I have consistently found good French wine to be a better value for money than similar wines in California (though I am a 5th generation Californian whose family has been in wine in California since the late 19th century).
Last time I was in France, I bought a wine from CORSICA of all places, made from the Nero Amaro grape also popular in Sardegna. It was very good, and I am PO'd that they do not sell it in the US.