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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Domaine Jean Guiton, Pommard, 2021
Medium Body
From four plots - that were picked separately but vinified together. This has wonderful...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75
CodeGUI921
GrapePinot Noir

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Jean Guiton, Beaune 1er Cru Les Sizies, 2021
Medium Bodied
From a small south-east facing plot, on limestone and clay. This is a fragrant and red fruit...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
CodeGUI521
GrapePinot Noir

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Château Carignan, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, 2019
Medium Bodied
"The 2019 Carignan is composed and harmonious on the nose, perhaps a little low-key...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeCAQ119
GrapeMerlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

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Chateau Beauregard Ducasse, Graves, 2022
Medium Bodied
From the far south of the Graves near Langon, a splendidly suave and traditional Bordeaux, now...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeBDU822
GrapeMerlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

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Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, 2023
Light Bodied
Hoddles Creek is rather a hidden gem here in the UK – but their reputation for top class...
OriginAustralia
RegionYarra Valley
ColourRed
ABV 13.2%
Bottle75cl
CodeHOD623
GrapePinot Noir

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Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, 2024
Light Bodied
All de-stemmed with no crushing. Some batches given 4-5 days cold soak. Some pigéage and...
OriginAustralia
RegionYarra Valley
ColourRed
ABV 13.2%
Bottle75cl
CodeHOD624
GrapePinot Noir

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Scent of dark plums, but in the mouth it’s all red fruits; cherries, raspberries, even a hint...
OriginAustralia
RegionYarra Valley
ColourRed
ABV 13.2%
Bottle75cl
CodeWIC623
GrapePinot Noir

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Made by Franco D'Anna at Hoddles Creek from a combination of bought in Upper Yarra Valley...
OriginAustralia
RegionYarra Valley
ColourRed
ABV 13.7%
Bottle75cl
CodeWIC624
GrapePinot Noir

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Lequin-Colin, Santenay Rouge, 1er Cru La Comme, 2020
Medium Bodied
From a very well-sited south-east facing 1er Cru on the border with Chassagne-Montrachet. Deep...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV 13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeLEQ720
GrapePinot Noir

Domaine des Fees, Côtes du Rhône, 2022
Medium Bodied
The Domaine of the Fairies! Certified organic, crafted by a female winemaker at this brilliant...
OriginFrance
RegionCotes du Rhone
ColourRed
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeFEE122
GrapeGrenache, Syrah & Carignan

Chateau de la Liquiere, Faugeres, La Fabrique, 2021
Medium-Bodied
A particular highlight of our Liquière tasting. A field blend based on Carignan, which has...
OriginFrance
RegionLanguedoc-Roussillon
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeLIQ921
GrapeCarignan, Grenache & Syrah

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We had a lengthy flirtation with L’Estabel, a small co-op in the schistous hills of Cabrieres...
OriginFrance
RegionLanguedoc-Roussillon
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeLES622
GrapeGrenache & Syrah