Light red, a trendy wine with a long history

You won't find a definition of a light red wine in the Larousse, because the word "light" is necessarily open to interpretation. If we had to define them, we could say that they are red wines with a low alcohol content (11-13°), a light color and easy-to-grasp aromas such as strawberry and raspberry. To obtain this type of wine, you need highly aromatic grape varieties that will bring out the fruity goodness. Examples include Gamay, Merlot, Poulsard and Grenache. But in reality, it's at the moment of harvest and vinification that everything will come into play. These are wines with little extraction, short macerations, aging in stainless steel tanks, concrete or very large barrels. The aim is to accompany the wine with the ageing process, rather than having it marked by wood. The result is a wine with low tannin content that's easy on the palate and easy to drink. Very much in vogue at the moment, these light red wines are not new. They have always been produced in every region of France.

Light reds, a trend

It's no secret that light red wines are all the rage these days. Some of the industry's heavyweights have recently launched light red wine ranges, such as Gérard Bertrand's Rouge Clair and Chouchou cuvées, and Michel Chapoutier's Rouge Clair. The house recommends tasting this cuvée chilled, in a bucket of ice. Heresy? Everyone is free to make up their own minds. One thing's for sure: light red wine is popular and, beyond marketing, offers a solution to consumers' lack of interest in traditional wine. What's in it for you?

• Easy to drink: its freshness and lightness make it pleasant and easy to enjoy, even for novices.
• Versatile: it goes well with a variety of dishes, from salads to white meats.
• Less tannic: Compared to full-bodied red wines, it is less tannic, offering a smoother taste experience.
• Aromatic: this type of wine often features fruity and floral aromas, offering a delicate palette of flavors.
• Low alcohol content: as the French increasingly appreciate the need to control their alcohol consumption, this wine is ideal for that purpose.

Did you know? Red wine consumption figures have been declining for the past decade. A recent study by Kantar for RTL indicates a 32% drop in French consumption between 2011 and 2021.

From the Middle Ages to today

Gourmet, low-alcohol red wines are nothing new. We've put together a tour of France's not-to-be-missed appellations. To begin with, let's head for Beaujolais, which since 1937 has produced gourmet Gamay-based red wines under its own appellation.
Further east, the Jura grape varieties Poulsard and Trousseau produce fine, fruity red wines under appellation. To the west, Cabernet Franc and Grolleau are the delight of the Loire Valley appellations. The Bordeaux vineyards produce clairet, a true hybrid between rosé and red wine. It's a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the record, it is the descendant of French Claret, a light red wine much appreciated by the English in the Middle Ages... Indeed, when the region came under British rule in the 12th century, French Clairet became very fashionable. So the appetite for light reds is nothing new. Gault&Millau has selected five tasting favourites that will seduce your guests this summer.

5 light reds to enjoy this summer

1. Domaine de la Tournelle - l'Uva 2022

Tasting notes: what a knockout! This semi-carbonic maceration of Poulsard is pure delight. A wine of great precision, with red berries and spices such as white pepper. Tension and length. A wine we'd like to taste more often.

• Score: 97/100
• Price: around 30 euros
• Website: www.domainedelatournelle.com

2. Castello di Verduno - Basadone 2022

Tasting notes: Head for the Piedmont region with the magnificent autochthonous Pelarvega Picolo grape variety. An elegant wine with hints of strawberry and raspberry. The finish reveals lovely notes of black pepper. The palate is enveloping and chiselled. A nugget that's off the beaten track, we're asking for more.

• Score : 94/100
• Price: around 20 euros
• Website: www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it

3. Domaine Frédéric Mabileau - Les Roulières - 2022

Tasting notes: Cabernet-Franc as we like it, light, fruity, greedy with small red fruits... A simple, accessible wine that just begs to be enjoyed with friends. A real favorite.

• Score: 93/100
• Price: Approximately 15 euros
• Website: https: //fredericmabileau.com/

4. Domaine Rostaing Tayart - Utreia 2022

Tasting notes: head for the Coteaux du Lyonnais for an elegant, juicy Gamay. A wine that has all the ingredients to seduce, with a classic aromatic palette of red fruits and a long finish. Excellent value for money.

• Score : 93/100
• Price: around 15 euros
• Website: https: //rostaing-tayard.com

5. Domaine l'étranger - Fahrenheit 2021

Tasting notes: Yes, you can make a light wine with Roussillon syrah and grenache. The result is pure delight. An infusion of red fruit combined with a silky mouthfeel. A wonderful discovery. Only one problem... The bottle finishes far too quickly.

• Score: 95/100
• Price: 20 to 25 euros
• Website: https: //www.letranger.fr

Light red wines have everything to seduce consumers, but tastes and fashions are an eternal restart, and nothing beats the aromatic complexity of a cuvée cut for ageing and tasted at maturity. A gateway to other types of red wine, perhaps?