Red Wines
We offer more red wine than white on our website… Well, there is a view that a meal without red wine is like a day without sunshine…
As a general rule red grape varieties tend to perform at their best in warmer temperatures than white. So whilst one could argue that the very greatest reds of the world come from marginal zones where the local vines need to be coaxed to full ripeness - for example Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux, Pinot Noir in Burgundy and Syrah in the northern Rhône - there is abundant decent red wine available now from countries or regions enjoying a Mediterranean climate; in particular the south of France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, California, etc.
While certain grape varieties are associated with particular countries or regions (for example Sangiovese with central Italy, Tempranillo with Spain, Malbec with Argentina, Carmenère with Chile, the home-grown Pinotage with South Africa, Zinfandel with California), it is the varieties best known for making top French wine - Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz), Pinot Noir, and, to a lesser extent, Grenache and Mourvèdre - which have been widely planted all over the new world.
A word about ripeness, alcohol levels and climate change. Red wines, even more than white, are becoming more alcoholic. This is as a result of a number of different factors working together. First, consumers now seek riper wines - wines made from grapes which are picked properly ripe, with higher sugar levels which, once fermented out, become higher alcohol levels. (My theory as to why riper wines are so much more popular is related to us having become accustomed to higher sugar levels in a modern diet). Better management of the vines (in particular the "canopy" of the leaves) and more sophisticated weather forecasting has enabled growers to ripen their grapes better and pick at the right moment.
And on top of that is climate change. Thirty years ago reds from Bordeaux used to be bottled at 12-12.5%; since the hot 2009 vintage most examples show 13-14.5%, and some wines actually contain over 15% of alcohol.
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Château Deyrem Valentin, Margaux, 2019
Medium, Full Bodied
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot; 15 months in about half new barrels,...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeDEY119
GrapeMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petit Verdot
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Fiorano, I Paoli Sangiovese, Marche IGT, 2023
Light to mid Bodied
This is fast becoming one of our best-loved reds: light and fresh, but with plenty of ripe red...
OriginItaly
RegionMarche
ColourRed
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
CodeFIO123
GrapeSangiovese
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As the vines here age, this wine is getting more refined: French oak, about a quarter new. A...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionHemel-en-Aarde
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeDDD620
GrapePinot Noir
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Goedverwacht, Great Expectations Shiraz, Robertson, 2023
Medium Bodied
Honest, chunky Shiraz – cooked fruit aromas with a smoky edge; followed by a gutsy, mouthful...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionRobertson
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeGDV623
GrapeSyrah/Shiraz
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Cederberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cederberg, 2020
Full Bodied
This is made by David Nieuwoudt, who took over the amazing Cederberg estate from his father in...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionCederberg
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeCED720
GrapeCabernet Sauvignon
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Dolcetto, of Piedmont origin, means "little sweet" but the grape is usually vinified...
OriginItaly
RegionPiedmont
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeBOA122
GrapeDolcetto
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Talosa, Chianti Colli Senesi, 2021
Light bodied
From the younger vines in Montepulciano vineyards; 85% Sangiovese with 12% Canaiolo and 3%...
OriginItaly
RegionTuscany
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeTAK321
GrapeSangiovese
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62% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre and 15% Grenache, all aged for 10 months in older French oak...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionWalker Bay
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeDDD818
GrapeSyrah, Mourvedre & Grenache
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Valle Frio, Pinot Noir, Maule, 2021
Light bodied
Valle Frio is an offshoot of a family-owned business with 19th century origins: Maule used to...
OriginChile
RegionMaule
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeFRI321
GrapePinot Noir
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Los Seduras, Merlot, Valle Central, Chile, 2022
Light to Mid Bodied
Supple, pretty and very easy-drinking Chilean Merlot. What's not to like? Now-2025
OriginChile
RegionValle Central
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeSED622
GrapeMerlot
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Always a winner in the Cederberg stable. A blast of blackcurrant and red fruit, with hints of...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionCederberg
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeCED920
GrapeCabernet Sauvignon
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Azienda Agricola Boasso, Langhe Nebbiolo, 2021
Medium-Full Bodied
Given one year in barrel. Youthful tone. Scent of red berries with vanilla. Juicy strawberry...
OriginItaly
RegionPiedmont
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeBOA721
GrapeNebbiolo