In France, the aperitif is a sacred moment. It is eagerly awaited to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. So, to enhance these precious moments of sharing, red wine naturally serves as the ideal companion. But be careful, not just any wine!
While French vineyards indeed offer a wide variety of red wines from different grape varieties and terroirs, not all red wines are meant for the aperitif!
In this article, we will explore together the necessary qualities of a good aperitif red wine and examine what the wine regions of our beautiful country offer best for this delightful occasion.
Happy reading!
The qualities of a good red wine for an aperitif
Before setting out to discover the different aperitif red 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 it is primarily a matter of personal taste, most of us are in search of freshness and enjoyment at aperitif time. Therefore, light, fruity, and rather low-tannin red wines will be the ideal companions for this convivial moment.The idea here is not to overwhelm our taste buds before the meal and to prepare them for more intense dishes. Indeed, if the aperitif has a purpose, it is to whet the appetite! Therefore, it is better to steer clear of powerful, heavily oaked, or even complex wines in terms of aroma, as these will likely better complement the main dishes you have chosen! It is entirely possible that you might be surprised reading these lines because you may have always preferred to opt for a powerful red Bordeaux or a robust Languedoc wine for the aperitif...Once again, listen to yourself! If this type of cuvée is your style and brings you joy, stay true to yourself ! Our humble advice is simply there to guide you and provide you with oenological benchmarks 🍷.
Many red wines pair ideally with charcuterie for an aperitif
Red wines for aperitif according to the region
Alsace aperitif red wines
While Alsace is primarily a land of white wines (90% of the production), Alsatian red wines are nonetheless excellent aperitif companions.These can only be made from the Pinot Noir grape variety and often present a nice tension, light but indulgent fruity notes, and low tannins.
All the conditions are therefore met here for the aperitif! For example, do not hesitate to turn to the Pinot Noirs from the Barmès-Buecher or Mittnacht Frères domains, which are excellent aperitif companions.
The Bordeaux aperitif red wines
Bordeaux is world-renowned for its elegant and complex red wines, mainly made from the grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
If the region offers many powerful and tannic wines not necessarily suitable for an aperitif, numerous winemakers from less renowned appellations will offer you cuvées focused on fruit and pleasure. For example, prioritize 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 aperitif red wines
Burgundy is the kingdom of Pinot Noir, a delicate grape variety producing fine and delicately fruity red wines, evoking notes of cherry, currant, strawberry, and raspberry.
For your aperitif, choose here a generic Burgundy red or a Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains (a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay). You can also consider appellations like Hautes-Côtes de Nuits or Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Located at higher altitudes, these offer wines with extra freshness... perfect for awakening the taste buds!
Other appellations like Fixin, Marsannay, Rully, Mercurey, or even Savigny-lès-Beaune also offer wines that pair ideally with cheeses and charcuterie.
Of course, many renowned appellation cuvées such as Pommard, Nuits-Saint-Georges, or Gevrey-Chambertin can also be suitable, but since most wines from these AOCs are more concentrated and intense, they are preferably enjoyed at the table.
Try, for example, the domains Decelle & Fils, Jaeger-Defaix, Thevenot Le Brun or Philippe Naddef!
The aperitif red wines of Beaujolais
The Beaujolais is above all a magnificent region of reds, and it must be noted that the vast majority of wines produced here can be opened at aperitif time thanks to the delightful indulgence of the grape variety Gamay !
This grape variety indeed reigns supreme in the vineyard and expresses delicious notes ranging from red fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant) to black fruits (plum, blackberry, blackcurrant) and even spices (pepper, licorice).
The Beaujolais Nouveau will of course be perfect for an aperitif thanks to their freshness, drinkability, and aromatic simplicity. The Beaujolais-Villages will be a bit more concentrated, but most will also be good companions with charcuterie boards.
Finally, although the red wines from the renowned appellations of the region (Brouilly, Saint-Amour, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie etc.) have more pronounced and intense characters, most of the cuvées from these AOCs can also be opened before sitting down to eat.
Do not hesitate to turn to the delicious Gamays from Clos de la Roilette or Château du Moulin-à-Vent to enjoy your aperitif!
The aperitif red wines of the Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley offers a great diversity of red wines and can be divided into two parts. In the north, the Syrah holds a monopoly and makes up the reds of renowned appellations such as Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage or Côte Rôtie.In the south, red wines are often composed of a blend of varieties, mainly including Grenache, Syrah, as well as Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The appellations here are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, or even Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
While most wines from the previously listed appellations are best enjoyed preferably at the table due to their structure and intensity, this does not mean that the region has nothing to offer for an aperitif!
For example, try reds from the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône or Côtes-du-Rhône Villages from producers like Domaine de Piéblanc or Stéphane Ogier.Red wines from IGP Collines Rhodaniennes can also be interesting for an aperitif, just like some from IGP Coteaux de l'Ardèche (Château de la Selve).
In general, it's better to ask for advice here as styles can vary greatly depending on the chosen producer!
The Loire's red aperitif wines
The Loire is famous for its white wines, but it also produces light and fruity red wines from grape varieties like Gamay and Cabernet Franc that are perfect for an aperitif!
For example, taste a Chinon from domaine Fabrice Gasnier or Bourgueil from domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard...Glug-glug guaranteed! These fresh and crisp wines will indeed be perfect to accompany appetizers during the aperitif.
The Jura aperitif red wines
We don't think enough about the Jura...and yet, what a magnificent wine region!
Here, the reds are crafted from three grape varieties (blended or not): Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir. Thanks to the altitude terroirs, they are often fresh and appetizing and thus ideal for the aperitif.Special mention nonetheless for the Poulsard, an indigenous grape variety with addictive lightness!
For example, let yourself be tempted by the reds from Jérôme Arnoux of Cellier des Tiercelines, you won't regret it!
The aperitif red wines of Languedoc-Roussillon
The Languedoc-Roussillon is the largest wine region in France, consequently 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 cuvées from domaine des Schistes in Côtes-du-Roussillon or la Chouette du Chai in AOC Pic-Saint-Loup. The Minervois from domaine de Courbissac are also focused on freshness and will be very suitable for an aperitif! Finally, some red wines from the regional IGP Pays d'Oc will also be good partners.
The aperitif red wines from the Southwest
Just like Languedoc-Roussillon, the red wines from the Southwest are generally concentrated and powerful.Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to find something delightful for the aperitif in this beautiful wine region!
One might think, for example, of the delicious Bergerac from the Domaine Albert de Conti or the Cahors full of grace from the Château Les Croisille where the Malbec is crafted with great finesse. Other small appellations like Brulhois, Saint-Sardos, or even Coteaux du Quercy can also offer simple and fruity wines that are very suitable for the aperitif.
The red aperitif wines of Provence While Provence is primarily renowned for its rosé wines, the region also produces excellent reds from grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. However, the Provençal sun imparts a certain strength to the produced cuvées, and these may not necessarily be the best suited for an aperitif. Nevertheless, you can try your luck with a red Côtes-de-Provence or even a wine from IGP Méditerranée, the latter often offering simpler and more accessible cuvées.We once again recommend that you seek advice if you absolutely wish to choose a red wine from the region intended for an aperitif, as a good knowledge of the estates and wines will be essential here.
The aperitif red wines of Savoie
Finally, Savoie, although a region renowned for its white wines, also produces delicious fresh and elegant red wines thanks to a vineyard located at altitude.
The grape varieties Mondeuse, Gamay, and Pinot Noir are key players here and offer fruity, lively, and flavorful wines that will pair wonderfully with the aperitif moment.We think, for example, of the magnificent vintages from the domaine Anne-Sophie et Jean-François Quénard!
In conclusion, the wise choice of a good red wine for the aperitif depends above all on your personal preferences but also on the dishes served on this occasion. We hope 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
