French Red Wines

We don’t place an emphasis on France (unlike many retailers) as we source our wines primarily on their own merits before appellation or region. The best French red wines tend to be expensive as there is plenty of demand from traditional retailers. But there are plenty of good French red wines at reasonable prices, particularly from the former Vin de Pays regions along the South coast.

The majority of our French offerings are natural, sulphite free wines from the Rhone and Languedoc regions.

When it comes to Bordeaux I personally prefer a good Bordeaux blend from warmer more reliable climates outside France. In fact a “Bordeaux blend” is my favourite wine so I’m always keen to find good ones. We have some great examples from Argentina, South Africa and Italy. Give them a go – you would have to spend a lot more money to find anything anywhere near their equivalent from France!

A delicious Cotes Du Rhone without sulphites.

This latest vintage is superb, big and juicy with a long finish.

Great value.

Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.00

A delicious Cotes Du Rhone without sulphites.

This latest vintage is superb, big and juicy with a long finish.

Great value.

Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.00

Another sulphite free Rhone blend, this time from the Cairanne AOC. Full flavoured and fruity with medium body.

Free Sulphur : <7
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£14.99

Another sulphite free Rhone blend, this time from the Cairanne AOC. Full flavoured and fruity with medium body.

Free Sulphur : <7
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£14.99

This is the signature wine from Costes Cirgues. Syrah and Grenache aged in oak for 15 months. Tiny production of around 4000 bottles annually.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£24.95

This is the signature wine from Costes Cirgues. Syrah and Grenache aged in oak for 15 months. Tiny production of around 4000 bottles annually.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£24.95

Merlot, Mourvedre and Carignan lightly pressed to extract only the free run juice so very low in tannins. This produces a soft and fruity, very easy drinking wine.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£14.99

Merlot, Mourvedre and Carignan lightly pressed to extract only the free run juice so very low in tannins. This produces a soft and fruity, very easy drinking wine.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£14.99

Gold – Mundus Vini 

International Wine Report – 92 Points 

A fantastic new organic wine from this excellent co-operative. The renowned Rhone trio of grape varieties “GSM” (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre).

This wine is superb for the money.

Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.99

Gold – Mundus Vini 

International Wine Report – 92 Points 

A fantastic new organic wine from this excellent co-operative. The renowned Rhone trio of grape varieties “GSM” (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre).

This wine is superb for the money.

Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.99

An excellent organic Rhone blend. Again sweet fruit on entry, good mouthfeel with full body, smooth and round with just a hint of oak.

Free Sulphur : 14
Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£14.99

An excellent organic Rhone blend. Again sweet fruit on entry, good mouthfeel with full body, smooth and round with just a hint of oak.

Free Sulphur : 14
Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£14.99

Domaine Myrac Diletante Rouge is a complex Syrah with flavours of dark chocolate followed by mint. Very smooth and balanced. Fully organic and very low in sulphur, this is a genuine artisan wine from this excellent organic family owned winery. This wine is lovely.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£16.00

Domaine Myrac Diletante Rouge is a complex Syrah with flavours of dark chocolate followed by mint. Very smooth and balanced. Fully organic and very low in sulphur, this is a genuine artisan wine from this excellent organic family owned winery. This wine is lovely.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£16.00

A new wine recently released. Tasting notes to follow but I expect it to be very good.

Awarded Silver at both Milesime Bio 2019 and IWSC 2019

 

 

 

 

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.99

A new wine recently released. Tasting notes to follow but I expect it to be very good.

Awarded Silver at both Milesime Bio 2019 and IWSC 2019

 

 

 

 

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.99

Gigondas had become known as “the poor man’s Chateauneuf du Pape” a decade ago, although I think that is a bit tongue in cheek as the wines can still command a hefty price. The wines can be amazing and although this AC has developed a very strong reputation for high quality, they still tend to be a bit cheaper than equivalents from Chateauneuf.

This wine is superb. Big and powerful as you would expect, with full body. Super smooth with acidity and oak in perfect balance, and a very long lingering finish. Highly recommended. Cave de Cairanne make all their reds in a fruit forward style and minimise the tannins (by de-stemming etc) so the wine is ready to drink young. For this reason we recommend you drink within a couple of days once opened, but it is so delicious you will probably drink it within a couple of hours in reality!

Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£23.95

Gigondas had become known as “the poor man’s Chateauneuf du Pape” a decade ago, although I think that is a bit tongue in cheek as the wines can still command a hefty price. The wines can be amazing and although this AC has developed a very strong reputation for high quality, they still tend to be a bit cheaper than equivalents from Chateauneuf.

This wine is superb. Big and powerful as you would expect, with full body. Super smooth with acidity and oak in perfect balance, and a very long lingering finish. Highly recommended. Cave de Cairanne make all their reds in a fruit forward style and minimise the tannins (by de-stemming etc) so the wine is ready to drink young. For this reason we recommend you drink within a couple of days once opened, but it is so delicious you will probably drink it within a couple of hours in reality!

Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£23.95

Decanter 93 Points, Guide Hatchette – “Excellent”

Cave de Cairanne are very proud of this Vacqueyras. As an AOC the reputation of Vacqueyras has grown in recent years as it is catching up to it’s more famous neighbours of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape.

This is an excellent wine. Big and powerful yet well balanced. Good fruit with just the right amount of oak, very smooth and medium bodied with a long finish. This knocks the socks off any generic Chateaneuf du Pape. Highly recommended.

Free Sulphur : 12
Organic : Yes
No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£18.95

Out of stock

Decanter 93 Points, Guide Hatchette – “Excellent”

Cave de Cairanne are very proud of this Vacqueyras. As an AOC the reputation of Vacqueyras has grown in recent years as it is catching up to it’s more famous neighbours of Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape.

This is an excellent wine. Big and powerful yet well balanced. Good fruit with just the right amount of oak, very smooth and medium bodied with a long finish. This knocks the socks off any generic Chateaneuf du Pape. Highly recommended.

Free Sulphur : 12
Organic : Yes
No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£18.95

Out of stock

Mayrac 1987 sulphite free wine

A good entry level sulphite free red wine, soft and pure.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : No
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.49

Mayrac 1987 sulphite free wine

A good entry level sulphite free red wine, soft and pure.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : No
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.49

A good entry level sulphite free red wine, soft and pure.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : No
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.00

A good entry level sulphite free red wine, soft and pure.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : No
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.00

Chemin des Moutons is the signature red wine from Roger at Domaine D’Anglas.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£24.95

Chemin des Moutons is the signature red wine from Roger at Domaine D’Anglas.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£24.95

A delicious soft red from gently pressed grapes with very low tannin content. Very easy drinking in a “Beaujolais” style.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.99

A delicious soft red from gently pressed grapes with very low tannin content. Very easy drinking in a “Beaujolais” style.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£13.99

A fantastic big powerful artisan Grenache from Robin Althof and his wife Imogen (both of Chateau Costes Cirgues) who are making small batch wines from parcels of grapes from their friends vineyards.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£27.95

A fantastic big powerful artisan Grenache from Robin Althof and his wife Imogen (both of Chateau Costes Cirgues) who are making small batch wines from parcels of grapes from their friends vineyards.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£27.95

A fantastic new wine from Robin Althof and his wife Imogen (both of Chateau Costes Cirgues) who are making small batch wines from parcels of grapes from their friends vineyards. This Syrault is very easy to drink!

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£16.99

A fantastic new wine from Robin Althof and his wife Imogen (both of Chateau Costes Cirgues) who are making small batch wines from parcels of grapes from their friends vineyards. This Syrault is very easy to drink!

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£16.99

An artisan tiny production old vine Cinsault aged in oak for twelve months from Robin Althof from Costes Cirgues and his wife Imogen.

Please note this does say contains sulphites on the label as it has gone slightly over the 10ppm threshold, but it can be treated as sulphite free.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Grapes Own Yeast : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£23.50

An artisan tiny production old vine Cinsault aged in oak for twelve months from Robin Althof from Costes Cirgues and his wife Imogen.

Please note this does say contains sulphites on the label as it has gone slightly over the 10ppm threshold, but it can be treated as sulphite free.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Grapes Own Yeast : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£23.50

An artisan tiny production blend of Syrah and Grenache aged for 15 months in French oak, without added sulphites.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Grapes Own Yeast : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£21.95

An artisan tiny production blend of Syrah and Grenache aged for 15 months in French oak, without added sulphites.

Free Sulphur : <5
Organic : Yes
Grapes Own Yeast : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£21.95

Another great wine from a tiny 2 hectare vineyard consisting of that magic formula Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£17.99

Out of stock

Another great wine from a tiny 2 hectare vineyard consisting of that magic formula Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£17.99

Out of stock

A great organic Pinot Noir from this family owned winery.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.00

A great organic Pinot Noir from this family owned winery.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.00

Cave de Cairanne Chateauneuf du Pape . Big and powerful of course with noticeable oak, but Cairanne took great care to preserve the fruit and limit the tannins (by destemming the grapes before crushing). Super wine with a very long finish.

Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£29.99

Out of stock

Cave de Cairanne Chateauneuf du Pape . Big and powerful of course with noticeable oak, but Cairanne took great care to preserve the fruit and limit the tannins (by destemming the grapes before crushing). Super wine with a very long finish.

Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£29.99

Out of stock

Orange Wine Show – Gold

Cave de Cairanne Chantecotes Rouge is a rebrand of their fantastic Grande Reserve Cru Cairanne.

Fantastic. Big rich flavours with power yet super smooth. The Cave de Cairanne wines just keep improving year on year. This is a cracker.

Gluten Free : Yes
Sulphite Level : Low

£14.99

Orange Wine Show – Gold

Cave de Cairanne Chantecotes Rouge is a rebrand of their fantastic Grande Reserve Cru Cairanne.

Fantastic. Big rich flavours with power yet super smooth. The Cave de Cairanne wines just keep improving year on year. This is a cracker.

Gluten Free : Yes
Sulphite Level : Low

£14.99

Milesime Bio Silver Medal

A superb single vineyard Syrah aged for 24 months in oak, only produced in exceptional years. Delicious! Big black cherry flavours with vanilla and a hint of white pepper. Perfectly balanced wine with good natural acidity. Superb. We have just received the 2011.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£29.99

Milesime Bio Silver Medal

A superb single vineyard Syrah aged for 24 months in oak, only produced in exceptional years. Delicious! Big black cherry flavours with vanilla and a hint of white pepper. Perfectly balanced wine with good natural acidity. Superb. We have just received the 2011.

Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£29.99

Orange 2021 – Gold, Guide Hatchette – 1 Star 

The Abelia range from Cave de Cairanne is a fantastic value introduction to their delicious wines, all AC Cotes du Rhone.

This is really good, full flavoured and smooth. Great value at this price!

Sulphite Level : Medium Low
Johns Rating :

£11.99

Orange 2021 – Gold, Guide Hatchette – 1 Star 

The Abelia range from Cave de Cairanne is a fantastic value introduction to their delicious wines, all AC Cotes du Rhone.

This is really good, full flavoured and smooth. Great value at this price!

Sulphite Level : Medium Low
Johns Rating :

£11.99

Cairanne Plan de Dieu Reserve

A very good Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu made from 100% Grenache, unoaked.

Big and punchy with good fruit, very smooth and delicious. Pair with anything from roast chicken to beef or drink it on it’s own in front of the fire.

Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£14.99

Cairanne Plan de Dieu Reserve

A very good Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu made from 100% Grenache, unoaked.

Big and punchy with good fruit, very smooth and delicious. Pair with anything from roast chicken to beef or drink it on it’s own in front of the fire.

Gluten Free : Yes
No Wood Used : Yes
Sulphite Level : Low
Johns Rating :

£14.99

60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from a single tiny vinneyard of just 2 hectares.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£16.99

Out of stock

60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from a single tiny vinneyard of just 2 hectares.

Free Sulphur : 0
Organic : Yes
Sustainable Farming : Yes
Gluten Free : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Sulphite Free
Johns Rating :

£16.99

Out of stock

Decanter 2022 – 92 Points 

Appellation Rasteau Controllee. Concentrated red and black fruits with some well integrated oak. Fairly light in body and silky smooth. This is a delicious wine, ideal with some good cheese.

No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.00

Out of stock

Decanter 2022 – 92 Points 

Appellation Rasteau Controllee. Concentrated red and black fruits with some well integrated oak. Fairly light in body and silky smooth. This is a delicious wine, ideal with some good cheese.

No Wood Used : No
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£13.00

Out of stock

 A very pleasant warming red. At first it’s a little tight with earthy aromas. Give it a bit of time to open up and it becomes very moreish in a natural style.

 

Free Sulphur : 15
Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£11.99

Out of stock

 A very pleasant warming red. At first it’s a little tight with earthy aromas. Give it a bit of time to open up and it becomes very moreish in a natural style.

 

Free Sulphur : 15
Organic : Yes
Vegan : Yes
Sulphite Level : Very Low
Johns Rating :

£11.99

Out of stock

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