Buy red wines

Red wines for all tastes and budgets 

Red wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world. There is something for every taste, and many grape varieties are used in its production, each with its own unique flavor characteristics. Here is a quick overview of the main varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the world for making red wine. Originally from the Bordeaux region, it is used to produce powerful and tannic red wines.He thrives wonderfully on the left bank of Bordeaux within appellations such as Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien or Margaux where he is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. For example, you will find his mark in the wines of the châteaux  Gruaud-Larose, Calon-Ségur, Pontet-Canet or even Brane-Cantenac.

Merlot is another very popular grape variety, also originating from the Bordeaux region. This one offers a fruity red wine and rather supple. It particularly thrives on the right bank of Bordeaux within appellations such as Pomerol or Saint-Émilion where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.It is also well established in other regions such as Languedoc-Roussillon or Provence. You will find it, for example, in significant quantities in the wines of Château de Valois or  Château Mille Roses.

Cabernet Franc is the third most popular variety in Bordeaux. This grape variety is also widely planted in the Loire, particularly in the appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, or Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. It generally brings a lovely freshness as well as aromas of raspberry, blackberry, eucalyptus, and bell pepper. It has elegant tannins and allows for the production of age-worthy wines.For example, it is an important marker in the cuvées of Clos des Quarterons (Domaine Amirault) or at the Fabrice Gasnier estate.

Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy and is a more delicate grape variety. It generally produces a light red wine with low tannins and is most often vinified as a single varietal. It is almost the only red variety used in Burgundy. From the Côte-de-Nuits to the Côte Chalonnaise, including the Côte-de-Beaune, it shines in appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Givry and Chambolle-Musigny.You can discover its magic through the magnificent wines from the estates of Decelle & Fils, François Raquillet, Cellier aux Moines, Jacques Prieur and Philippe Naddef.

Syrah is a grape variety originating from the Rhône Valley and is used to produce elegant and particularly charming red wines. Moderately tannic, it probably reaches the peak of its expression in the northern Rhône Valley in appellations such as Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and also Crozes-Hermitage.It is also widely found in the south of this same region, such as in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC as well as in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it is regularly blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre. Discover its great nobility thanks to Stéphane Ogier, François Merlin or with the estates des Hauts-Châssis or de Boisseyt.

Grenache is a grape variety originally from Spain (Garnacha). This variety produces a red wine that is low in tannins and fruity. It is particularly present in the Rhône Valley within appellations such as Côtes-du-Rhône, Lirac or Châteauneuf-du-Pape.Provence (AOC Côtes-de-Provence) and Languedoc (AOC Minervois, Pic-Saint-Loup, IGP Côtes Catalanes etc.) are also important regions for this grape variety. To discover this varietal, try the wines from La Chouette du Chai, Domaine Pierre Usseglio or the delightful cuvées from Domaine des Schistes!

Gamay is king in the Beaujolais region. It is particularly appreciated for its expressive fruitiness and its easy-drinking character. Usually light in profile, it can nevertheless produce excellent age-worthy wines on the best terroirs.Don't hesitate to discover it in appellations such as Brouilly, Morgon, Fleurie or even Saint-Amour ! The estates Bodillard, Cheveau and Clos de la Roilette are also reliable choices for exploring it.

Malbec is very prominent in the Southwest and particularly in the Cahors AOC where it is the king grape variety. It is also well established in the Bordeaux region and even in the Loire where it is called Côt. It expresses beautiful fruitiness, spicy notes, and can produce light and enjoyable wines if vinified gently.Nevertheless, it is mainly used to produce powerful, age-worthy red wines with strong tannins, ideal for pairing with red meat. Discover it, for example, through Château Les Croisille!

Tannat is a very important red grape variety in the South-West, especially for appellations such as Madiran, Tursan, or Irouléguy. Long considered rustic, Alain Brumont has succeeded in establishing it as a major variety, capable of producing powerful, tannic, and age-worthy red wines. Mourvèdre is a variety that requires a lot of sunshine to reach full maturity.Therefore, this grape variety is mainly found in the southern half of France, particularly in the regions of Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. The Bandol AOC is probably where it expresses itself best. Thanks to this grape, the region produces full-bodied and indulgent rosés as well as deep red wines with aromas of ripe black fruits and spices. It is also widely planted in Spain, where it is known as Monastrell.Enjoy its richness thanks to the Tempier estate, Château de Beaucastel or with the rosés and reds from Figuière estate!

Tempranillo is the most widely grown grape variety in Spain and is the flagship of the country’s two leading appellations: DOCa Rioja and DO Ribera del Duero. This variety produces powerful, deep wines with excellent aging potential. It is known for its aromas of dark fruits and spices, as well as a solid tannic structure. This is THE Spanish grape variety you absolutely must know! Bodegas Muga and Protos are particularly renowned for their mastery of this variety.

Sangiovese is a red grape variety from Italy mainly grown in Tuscany, especially in renowned appellations such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. This grape produces fruity, spicy, tannic, and age-worthy red wines. It is also found in Corsica under the name Niellucciu, particularly in the beautiful appellation of Patrimonio. Discover its remarkable character through the estates Giudicelli, Ruffino and Fattoi.

In addition to these grape varieties, there are many other types used to produce red wine, including Carignan, Cinsault and also Nebbiolo, which is typical of the Italian Barolo appellation and is expertly crafted by the Parusso estate.

In summary, each wine region and appellation has its own style of red wine. So, whether you prefer powerful wines like those from Bordeaux, the South-West, or lighter, fruitier cuvées such as those from Alsace and Burgundy, there will always be a red wine to suit your taste.So don't hesitate to call on La Cave Éclairée for expert advice!

How is red wine made?

Red wine is produced through the maceration of grape juice with their skins. In fact, after separating the grapes from the stems (destemming), the berries are crushed (crushing) and the juice is left in contact with the skins for several days (maceration). Then, once this process is complete, everything is thoroughly pressed (pressing) and placed in vats, oak barrels, or amphorae to begin fermentation...This is the moment when grape juice truly becomes wine!

As you may have understood, since the juice of almost all grape varieties (both white and red) is naturally colorless, it is therefore the skin of the grapes that imparts the coloring pigments (anthocyanins) to the wines. It is also in the skin (as well as in the seeds and sometimes the stems) that you will find the tannins.

Thus, certain grape varieties with thick skins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, will give wines a deep color and significant tannic structure, while other varieties like Pinot Noir (with thinner skins) will produce wines with a pale hue and a less pronounced tannic structure.

Choosing Your Red Wine Cuvée According to Food and Wine Pairings

The choice of a bottle of red wine is often made based on the dishes it can accompany. Each cuvée indeed has its own character and pairs more or less well with certain types of dishes.

For lovers of red meats, such as grilled ribeye, duck breast, or leg of lamb, it is recommended, for example, to choose a powerful and structured wine, perhaps from a renowned appellation (AOP Gevrey-Chambertin, AOP Cahors, etc.).

Bordeaux cuvées such as those from the Pauillac or Pomerol AOCs, as well as northern Rhône AOPs like Côte Rôtie or Saint-Joseph, are also reliable choices to enhance these richly flavored dishes. A mixed case or a single bottle from these magnificent vineyards can therefore be an excellent idea for treating yourself !

For white meats, such as a poultry fillet with mushrooms or a veal roast, it is preferable to choose a softer, fruitier red wine. A Pinot Noir from Burgundy or a Gamay from Beaujolais, for example, will bring finesse and elegance to these dishes without overpowering their delicacy.

Furthermore, for slow-cooked dishes in sauce, such as coq au vin or Provençal stew, a spicy Syrah from the Rhône Valley or a round and deep Grenache Noir from Languedoc will be ideal !

For cheeses, and contrary to popular belief, they do not always pair best with red wine. While some, like Brie, Reblochon, or Saint-Nectaire, go well with a supple and fruity cuvée, others, more intense such as Roquefort or Munster, are better complemented by a sweet white wine.

For hard cheeses, such as Comté or Parmesan, a structured red wine, from a well-aged stock, like a Bordeaux or a Madiran, can offer a delicious and balanced pairing.

Of course, we have all these types of wine in stock !

Buy your red wine by the bottle or by the case

When you want to buy red wine, the question of format quickly arises: should you order a single bottle, a magnum, or opt for a mixed case selection?

Buying by the bottle allows you to enjoy variety by tasting different cuvées from various AOPs, and thus better identify your preferences before ordering in larger quantities. It is also a great option to discover a red wine with no commitment, especially when it comes to a new appellation or an unfamiliar estate.

For enthusiasts looking to enrich their cellar or plan family meals or gatherings with friends, purchasing by the case remains a more advantageous alternative.

In fact, we offer sliding scale prices starting from six bottles on several of our selections, allowing you to save money while ensuring you always have a quality vintage in stock.

For large events or for collectors of age-worthy wines, ordering by the case also allows you to anticipate the wine’s evolution over the years by tasting a bottle at different stages of its aging.

Furthermore, if you also enjoy white wine, it may be worthwhile to mix your order by adding a few bottles of this variety to your case, ensuring a diverse selection for all types of dishes.

Finally, thanks to an excellent selection and highly attentive delivery service, La Cave Éclairée guarantees you a very high level of satisfaction and the discovery of hidden gems !

Enjoy your tasting !