French Reds

A selection of reds from around France, including Loire, Beaujolais and Bordeaux.

Fabien Duveau, Les Menais, Saumur Champigny, Loire

From vines grown on a combination of clay and limestone soils in the village of Verrains. Vinified with indigenous yeast, exclusively in concrete vat. Violets on the nose, bright red fruits with a slight herbaceous edge. A soft and refreshing red. Lovely example of crunchy Cabernet Franc from Saumur Champigny. Serve with the lightest chill to show it at its best. Pair with just about anything but with lamb it’s a real treat.

Chateau des Tours, Brouilly, Beaujolais

Chateau des Tours is a beautiful estate surrounded by its own vines. The Chateau itself dates back to the 14th Century and is the heart of the estate. During the harvest, as per tradition, an old bell is rung to signify the start of the day. This is a Gamay, with body, complexity and charm.

Chateau Calvimont, Graves, Bordeaux

Château Calvimont comes from specific plots which have always belonged to the Cérons estate; the Marquis de Calvimont was the owner in the late 18th century. Viticulture is sustainable and winemaking in the gravity fed cellar is precise, producing restrained yet characterful wines with freshness of the fruit, fine minerality, elegant and soft tannins. The vineyards are on a plateau of gravel over limestone overlooking the river Garonne, perfect terroir for Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in particular.