In France, aperitif is a sacred moment. It is eagerly awaited as an opportunity 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 do indeed offer a great variety of red wines from different grape varieties and terroirs, not all red wines are suitable for the aperitif!
In this article, we will therefore explore together the essential qualities of a good red wine for the aperitif and examine what the wine regions of our beautiful country have to offer at their best for this delightful occasion.
Happy reading!
The qualities of a good red wine for an aperitif
Before setting out to discover the different red wines for an aperitif from our fabulous vineyards, it is first essential to define the qualities sought in a red wine for an aperitif. And these are quite simple and logical!
Indeed, and although it is above all a matter of personal taste, most of us are looking for freshness and enjoyment at aperitif time. Therefore, it is light, fruity red wines with rather low tannins that will be the ideal companions for this convivial moment. The idea here is to avoid overwhelming 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 avoid powerful, heavily oaked, or even complex cuvées in terms of aroma, as these will most likely pair better with the main dishes you have chosen !
It is entirely possible that you are surprised by these lines, as you may have always preferred to choose a powerful Bordeaux red or a full-bodied Languedoc wine for the aperitif...Once again, listen to yourself! If this type of cuvée is your style and brings you pleasure, stay true to yourself ! Our humble advice is simply here to guide you and provide you with oenological reference points.
Many red wines pair perfectly with charcuterie for an aperitif
Red wines for aperitif by region
Alsace red aperitif wines
If Alsace is above all a land of white wines (90% of production), Alsatian red wines are nevertheless excellent companions for an aperitif.These can only be made from the grape variety Pinot Noir and often display a lovely tension, light fruity notes but indulgentalso few tannins.
All the conditions are therefore met here for an aperitif! For example, do not hesitate to choose the Pinot Noirs from the estates Barmès-Buecher or Mittnacht Frères which are excellent aperitif companions.
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.
While the region offers many powerful and tannic wines that are not necessarily suitable for an aperitif, numerous winemakers from less renowned appellations will offer you cuvées focused on fruit and pleasure. For example, choose appellations such as Blaye Côtes-de-Bordeaux, Canon-Fronsac, Lalande-de-Pomerol, or even Montagne Saint-Émilion ! The regional appellation Bordeaux will also allow you to find what you are looking for.
Burgundy red wines for aperitif
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 Burgundy red or a Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains (a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay). You can also opt for appellations such as 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 such as Fixin, Marsannay, Rully, Mercurey or Savigny-lès-Beaune also offer wines that pair ideally with cheese 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.
For example, try the estates Decelle & Fils, Jaeger-Defaix, Thevenot Le Brun or Huguenot !
Beaujolais red wines for aperitif
The Beaujolais is above all a magnificent region for reds, and it is clear that the vast majority of wines produced here can be enjoyed as an aperitif thanks to the beautiful indulgentise of the grape variety Gamay !
This grape truly 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 little more concentrated, but most will also be excellent companions for charcuterie boards.
Finally, although the red wines from the region's renowned appellations (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.
So don't hesitate to turn to the delicious Gamays from Clos de la Roilette or Château du Moulin-à-Vent to enjoy your aperitif!
Aperitif red wines from 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 has a monopoly and makes up the reds of renowned appellations such as Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage or Côte Rôtie. In the south, the red wines are often made from a blend of varieties, mainly Grenache, Syrah as well as Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The appellations here are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and also Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
While most of the wines from the previously listed appellations are best 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 reds from the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC or Côtes-du-Rhône Villages from producers such as Famille de Boel France or the estate Stéphane Ogier. Red wines from IGP Collines Rhodaniennes can also be interesting for an aperitif, as well as some from IGP Coteaux de l'Ardèche (Château de la Selve).
In general, it is better to seek advice here as the styles can vary greatly depending on the chosen producer!
Loire red wines for aperitif
The Loire is famous for its white wines, but it also produces light and fruity red wines from grape varieties such as Gamay and Cabernet Franc which are perfect for an aperitif!
For example, try a Chinon from Domaine Fabrice Gasnier or a Bourgueil from Domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard... easy-drinking guaranteed! These fresh and crisp wines are indeed 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 altitude of the terroirs, these wines are often fresh and appetizing, making them ideal for an aperitif.Special mention, however, for 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!
Red aperitif wines from 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 is strong 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 perfect for an aperitif! Finally, some red wines from the regional IGP Pays d'Oc will also make good partners.
Aperitif red wines from the South-West
Just like those from Languedoc-Roussillon, the red wines from the South-West are generally concentrated and powerful. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to find something delightful for an aperitif in this beautiful wine region!
For example, one might think of the delicious Bergerac from Domaine Albert de Conti or the Cahors full of grace from Château Les Croisille where the Malbec is crafted with great finesse. Other small appellations such as Brulhois, Saint-Sardos, or even Coteaux du Quercy can also offer simple and fruity wines that are very well suited for an aperitif.
Provence red wines for aperitif
While Provence is above all renowned for its rosé wines, the region also produces excellent reds from grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Nevertheless, the Provençal sun gives a certain power to the wines produced here, and as a result, they may not necessarily be the best suited for a aperitif.
However, you can try your luck with a Côtes-de-Provence red or even a wine with IGP Méditerranée, the latter often offering simpler and more accessible wines.
We once again recommend that you seek advice if you absolutely wish to choose a red wine from the region for an aperitif, as a good knowledge of the estates and wines will be essential here.
Savoie aperitif red wines
Finally, Savoie, although a region renowned for its white wines, also produces delicious fresh and elegant red wines thanks to vineyards located at high altitude.
The Mondeuse, Gamay, and Pinot Noir grape varieties are key players here and offer fruity, lively, and flavorful wines that will pair wonderfully well with the aperitif moment.We are thinking, for example, of the magnificent vintages from the Domaine Partagé Gilles Berlioz !
In conclusion, the wise choice of a good red wine for an aperitif depends above all on your personal preferences but also on the dishes served on this occasion. In any case, 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 wonderful moment of conviviality. And don't forget that La Cave Éclairée is at your complete disposal if you need to explore the subject further! So...cheers and enjoy your aperitif!
