Red
Caves Sao Joao 1989 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros Reserva
Brick-garnet in colour, with cherry and strawberry moving into dried herbs, baked gingerbread, leather and a gently earthy savoury tone. The palate remains bright, carrying red fruit and raisined nuance on a firm line of acidity, while mature bottles may show a touch of oxidation. Stand upright before opening, pour carefully, and serve with roast pork, mushrooms or braised dishes.
Caves Sao Joao 1987 Frei Joao Bairrada
Deep garnet with a brick-orange rim leads into dried blackcurrant, cherry and plum, layered with cedar, tobacco, leather, graphite, forest floor and dried herbs. Silky, fully integrated tannins meet fresh acidity, carrying savoury plum, cigar box and earthy spice through a long, composed finish. Stand upright for a day before opening, then decant gently and serve slightly cool.
Caves Sao Joao 1978 Frei Joao Bairrada Magnum
Brick-edged and fully mature, with leather, iodine and damp forest-floor aromas leading into dried cherry and further woodland detail. The palate remains surprisingly fresh, with fully resolved tannins and a seamless transition into a long, lingering finish. Bottle condition will matter at this age; stand upright, open with care and assess before decanting. Serve with roast game or mushroom dishes.
Clos Cibonne 2021 Cuvee Prestige Olivier
Deep ruby in the glass, with ripe cherry, blackberry, plum and prune layered over licorice, sweet spice and wild Mediterranean herbs. The palate is rich and velvety, with fine tannins giving shape to the generous fruit. Full of savoury southern character, it finishes with persistent spice and polished structure.
Domaine de Trevallon 2011 IGP Alpilles
Lush dark fruit meets dried herbs, black pepper and a cool stony note in a deeply savoury expression. The palate has generous ripeness but remains energetic, carried by juicy acidity, chalky minerality and ripe, well-integrated tannins. Earth and pepper return on the structured finish. Decant for an hour and serve with lamb, grilled meats or lentils.
Les Cortis 2020 Neumite
Floral and red-fruited, with bright cherry and a light Beaujolais-like lift. The palate is graceful and energetic, gaining depth from semi-carbonic fermentation and extended skin contact while remaining fresh rather than heavy. Gentle structure and added complexity balance the vivid fruit, leading to a poised, clean finish.
Daumas Gassac 2021 Mas Languedoc
Domaines Bunan 2020 Belouve Rouge
A supple southern French red with red cherry, plum and wild berry fruit, followed by violet, licorice and gentle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and rounded, with modest tannin and a fresh savoury line that keeps the ripe fruit in balance. Approachable but not simple, it works especially well with charcuterie, grilled sausages, roast vegetables or an informal midweek supper.
Claude Lafond 2022 Pinot Noir
Fresh red fruit leads with sour cherry, red currant and blackcurrant, followed by cracked pepper and a light woodland note. The palate is harmonious and supple, carried by smooth tannins and bright acidity. Lightly perfumed and gently spicy, it finishes clean and fresh, with an elegant mineral undertone.
Clos Des Nines 2021 Pulp Red
A juicy southern French red with crushed raspberry, ripe strawberry and red cherry, lifted by flowers and peppery spice. The palate is soft and light on its feet, with low tannin, bright acidity and a crunchy red-fruit core. Fresh and energetic on the finish, it is best served slightly cool with charcuterie, grilled vegetables or casual weeknight dishes.
Aydie 2022 Sans Sulfites Madiran
Blackcurrant fruit sits over dusty tannins and firm acidity, giving this direct, clear-cut red more lift than weight. The palate is crisp and fresh, with a savoury edge and enough structure to remain unmistakably robust. Straightforward and energetic rather than heavy, it works well with grilled sausages, roast pork or lentils.
Clos Fornelli 2018 Rouge Corsica
Vivid red fruit and violets lead into a generous, well-structured palate. Cherry and raspberry are joined by pepper, dried herbs and a faint earthy note, while silky tannins keep the wine supple. Bright and savoury, it closes with lingering spice, fresh acidity and the distinctive lift of an island red.
Chateau du Cedre 2020 Cahors
Juicy black fruit and savoury spice lead a rich, concentrated profile. The palate is dense and firmly structured, yet the fruit remains balanced and composed rather than heavy. Depth builds through a long, dark-fruited finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, lamb, braised mushrooms or mature cheese.
Cassanova 2016 Corse Rouge
Ripe blackberry and dark plum meet black cherry, cracked pepper and a savoury trace of wild Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fleshy and generous, with juicy fruit carried by smooth, rounded tannins. A warm, accessible Corsican red with enough spice and earthy depth to stay lively through the finish.