In France, the aperitif is a sacred moment . This one is indeed eagerly awaited in order to be able to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. So, to enhance these precious moments of sharing, red wine logically serves as the ideal companion. But be careful, not just any!
While French vineyards do indeed offer a wide variety of red wines from different grape varieties and terroirs, However, not all red wines are intended for aperitifs!
Through this article, we will therefore explore together the necessary qualities of a good red aperitif wine and will examine what the wine regions of our beautiful country have to offer better for this delicious occasion.
Happy reading!
The qualities of a good red wine for an aperitif
Before setting off to discover the different red aperitif wines from our fabulous vineyards, it is first essential to define the qualities sought for a red wine at aperitif time . And these are quite simple and logical!
Indeed, and although this is above all a matter of personal taste, most of us are looking for freshness and pleasure at the time of the aperitif. Therefore, these are light, fruity and rather weakly tannic red wines who will be the ideal companions for this moment of conviviality. The idea East here from not to saturate our taste buds before the meal and prepare them for more intense dishes.
Indeed, if the aperitif has one purpose, it is to whet the appetite! Therefore, it is better move away from powerful, heavily wooded or even complex vintages Aromatically speaking, these will most likely compare better with the main dishes you have chosen. !
It is quite possible that you are jumping for joy reading these lines because you may have always liked to opt for a powerful red Bordeaux or a full-bodied Languedoc wine for an aperitif... Once again, listen to yourself! If this kind of vintage is your style and makes you happy, be true to yourself ! Our humble advice is simply there to guide you and give you some wine-related reference points. 🍷 .
Many red wines pair perfectly with cold cuts as an aperitif.
Red wines for aperitifs according to the region
Alsace red aperitif wines
If Alsace is above all a land of white wines (90% of production), Alsatian red wines are nevertheless excellent aperitif companions. The latter can only be made from grape variety Pinot noir and often present a nice tension, light but delicious fruity notes as well as few tannins .
All the conditions are therefore gathered here for an aperitif! For example, don't hesitate to go to the Pinot Noirs of the estates Barmes-Buecher Or Midnight Brothers which are excellent aperitif companions.
Bordeaux red aperitif wines
Bordeaux is world famous for its red wines elegant and complex, mainly made from grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot And Cabernet Franc .
If the region offers many powerful wines and tannic not necessarily suitable for an aperitif, many winegrowers from less renowned appellations will offer you vintages focused on fruit and pleasure. For example, favor appellations like Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux, Canon-Fronsac, Lalande-de-Pomerol or Montagne Saint-Émilion ! The regional appellation Bordeaux will also allow you to find your happiness.
Burgundy red aperitif wines
Burgundy is the kingdom of Pinot noir , a delicate grape variety producing fine and delicately fruity red wines , evoking notes of cherry, redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry.
For your aperitif, choose here a Generic red burgundy or a Burgundy Passe-Tout-Grains (blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay). You can also look at appellations such as High Coasts of Nights or the High Coasts of Beaune Situated at a higher altitude, these offer wines with an extra touch of freshness...perfect for awakening the taste buds!
Other names like Fixin , Marsannay , Rully , Mercurey or even Savigny-lès-Beaune also offer wines that pair ideally with cheeses and cold meats.
Of course, many vintages from renowned appellations such as Pommard , Nuits-Saint-Georges or even Gevrey-Chambertin can also suitable but most of the wines of these AOCs being more concentrated and intense, the latter will be appreciated preferentially at the table.
For example, try the domains Decelle & Sons , Jaeger-Defaix , T hevenot Le Brun Or Philippe Naddef !
Beaujolais red aperitif wines
THE Beaujolais is above all a magnificent region of reds and it is clear that the vast majority of the wines produced here can be enjoyed as an aperitif thanks to the wonderful deliciousness of the grape variety Gamay !
The latter reigns supreme in the vineyard and expresses delicious notes ranging from red fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant) to black fruits (plum, blackberry, blackcurrant) and spices (pepper, liquorice).
THE Beaujolais New will of course be perfect for an aperitif thanks to their freshness, their deliciousness and their aromatic simplicity. Beaujolais-Villages will be a little more concentrated but most will also be good companions with platters of cold meats.
Finally, although red wines from renowned appellations from the region ( Brouilly , Saint-Amour , Windmill , Flowery etc.) have more marked and intense characters, most of the vintages from these AOCs can also be opened up before being served at the table.
So don't hesitate to turn to the delicious Gamays from Clos de la Roilette or even Windmill Castle to enjoy your aperitif!
Red aperitif wines from the Rhône Valley
There Rhone Valley offer a wide variety of red wines and can be split into two parts. To the north, there Syrah has a monopoly and composes the reds of renowned appellations such as Saint Joseph , Crozes-Hermitage Or Roasted Rib . In the south, red wines are often made from a assembly of varieties , mainly of which the Grenache , Syrah as well as the Mourvèdre and the Cinsault The names here are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau or even Chateauneuf-du-Pape .
While most wines from the appellations listed above will be enjoyed preferably at the table Thanks to their structure and intensity, this does not mean that the region has nothing to offer for an aperitif!
For example, try some reds from AOC Côtes-du-Rhône or Côtes-du-Rhône Villages from producers such as Piéblanc Estate Or Stephane Ogier . THE red wines in IGP Rhone Hills can also be interesting for an aperitif, just like some in IGP Coteaux de l’Ardèche ( Selve Castle ).
In general, it is better to ask for advice here because the styles can vary greatly depending on the producer chosen!
Red aperitif wines from the Loire
The Loire is famous for its white wines, but it also produces light, fruity red wines from grape varieties such as Gamay and the Cabernet Franc which will be to die for for an aperitif!
For example, enjoy a Chinon of Fabrice Gasnier domain Or Bourgueil of Lamé Delisle Boucard estate ...guaranteed gurgling! These fresh and crisp wines will indeed be perfect to accompany appetizers during the aperitif.
Jura red aperitif wines
We don't think enough about Jura ...and yet, what a magnificent wine region!
Here, the reds are made from three grape varieties (blended or not): Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir . Thanks to the terroirs in altitude , these latter are often fresh and appetizing and therefore ideal for an aperitif. Special mention all the same for the Poulsard, a native grape variety with an addictive lightness!
For example, let yourself be tempted by the reds of Jérôme Arnoux from the Tiercelines Cellar , you won't regret it!
Red aperitif wines from Languedoc-Roussillon
THE Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in France, therefore offering a wide variety of red wines with excellent value for money.However, here the sun beats down hard and the wines are often concentrated and powerful.
Nevertheless, We recommend the vintages of Schist domain in Roussillon Coast or even The Owl of the Cellar in AOC Pic-Saint-Loup . THE Minervois of Courbissac estate are also focused on freshness and will be very suitable for an aperitif! Finally, some red wines from the regional PGI Pays d'Oc will also be good partners.
Red aperitif wines from Southwest
Like Languedoc-Roussillon, the red wines of Southwest are generally concentrated and powerful. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to find what you are looking for for an aperitif in this beautiful wine region!
For example, we will think of the delicious Bergerac of Albert de Conti estate or to Cahors full of grace of The Croisille Castle where the Malbec is worked with great finesse. Other small appellations such as Brulhois, Saint-Sardos or Coteaux du Quercy can also offer simple and fruity wines that are very suitable for an aperitif.
Red aperitif wines from Provence
If the Provence is above all renowned for its rosé wines , the region also produces excellent reds from grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. However, the provencal sun gives here a certain power to the vintages produced and these will therefore not necessarily be the best adapt for a aperitif.
However, you can try your luck with a Coasts of Provence red or even a wine in Mediterranean PGI , the latter often offering vintages simpler and more accessible.
We recommend you once again to make you advise if you absolutely want to go for a regional red intended for an aperitif because a good knowledge of the areas and the wines will be essential here.
Red aperitif wines from Savoie
Finally, Savoie, although a region of white wines par excellence, also produces delicious fresh and elegant red wines thanks to a vineyard located at altitude .
The Mondeuse, Gamay and Pinot Noir grape varieties are the main protagonists here and offer fruity, lively and tasty wines Who will go wonderfully well with the aperitif moment. We are thinking for example of the magnificent vintages of Anne-Sophie and Jean-François Quénard estate !
In conclusion, the wise choice of a good red wine for an aperitif depends above all on your personal preferences but also food served on this occasion. We hope in any case that the many tips given in this article will help you find a red wine to enjoy with your loved ones during this fabulous moment of conviviality.And don't forget that The Illuminated Cellar is at your entire disposal if you need to explore the subject further! So... health and enjoy your aperitif!
