Paint the Town Red

It’s a truism in wine that inexpensive whites are easier to get right than inexpensive reds. So when you find a good red wine at a competitive price point, you tend to stick with it. 

This is certainly true of two of our favourites at the value end of the portfolio, which we’re delighted to announce are now back in stock!

Carambouille Returns

A juicy yet substantial red, back just in time for the sunny weather. A certified organic blend of Cinsault, Grenache Noir and the lesser-known local variety Counoise, from the slopes of the Rhône Valley. This wine has built up excellent reviews from the press, as well as a loyal following from some of the country’s best restaurants.

Produced by Anna Tyack as part the excellent organic co-op Les Vignerons d'Estézargues, the wine comes from vines that are 25 years old on average, grown on soils of heavy clay mixed with pebbles that naturally limit yields. Translucent ruby in colour, with a bouquet bursting out of the glass with notes of grenadine, tangerine and sweet spices. Supple and fresh, but with just enough tannin to hold its own with food. Seductive, social and fun!

A new vintage of Guy Allion Pinot Noir

Even within the difficult endeavour of finding good-quality, inexpensive reds, tracking down an entry-level Pinot Noir is twice as hard. This bottling from Guy Allion comes from Touraine, where the soil is rich in limestone topped with flinty clay, yielding very fresh, mineral wines.

Vinification is in stainless steel before being transferred to old barrels for five months, giving the wine a serious, savoury edge. Bright red fruit and gossamer tannins – this is an archetypal French Pinot.