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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A very classic expression of Moulis. Based on a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon there is dark...
OriginFrance
RegionBourdeaux
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75
CodeEDB119
GrapeCabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
From a 3 hectare vineyard at the Ladoix end of the hill wholly owned by the familysince 1874....
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV %
Bottle75cl
CodeFAJ920
GrapePinot Noir
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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
Les Cazetiers has a distinguished position, sitting high on the slope above the village between...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeFAJ719
GrapePinot Noir
Lequin-Colin, Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2021
Medium Bodied
All the wine goes into barrel but only 10% new. Gluggable and juicy. This is full of red berry...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
CodeLEQ621
GrapePinot Noir
Out of Stock
From soils with a high proportion of clay, this is always deeply coloured, rich and opulent....
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeGUI719
GrapePinot Noir
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From old vines first planted 60 years ago on a well-drained steep slope, east-facing and very...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeGUI318
GrapePinot Noir
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Chateau Beauregard Ducasse, Graves, 2020
Medium Bodied
From the far south of the Graves near Langon, a splendidly suave and traditional Bordeaux, now...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeBDU820
GrapeMerlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
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Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, 2021
Light Bodied
Franco says the best vintage since 2017. 11 months in barrel; 30% new, 30% one year old and the...
OriginAustralia
RegionGippsland
ColourRed
ABV 13.2%
Bottle75cl
CodeHOD621
GrapePinot Noir
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Burlesque, Zinfandel, Lodi, California, 2020
Medium-Bodied
Hearty and generous at the price, delivering a generous gush of raspberry and spice. Now-2024
OriginUSA
RegionCalifornia
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeBUR120
GrapeZinfandel
From a well-known site (think Barthod, Mortet etc.) near the centre of the village. Beautiful...
OriginFrance
RegionBurgundy
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75
CodeFAJ819
GrapePinot Noir