Sample These Rich Red And Crisp White French Summer Wines
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A selection of French wines from Bordeaux, Brittany, Languedoc and the Rhone Valley - including a 100 point Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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July 6, 2025
05:28 AM
Forbes
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LifestyleSpiritsSample These Rich Red And Crisp White French Summer WinesByTom Mullen, Contributor
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights
I write wine, travel and lifestyle from a base in France AuthorJul 06, 2025, 05:28am EDTThe ing wines come from the French wine regions within the Rhone Valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras), vence, Languedoc, Brittany and Bordeaux (Saint-Émilion, Fronsac, Cadillac and Bourg)
Vacqueyras, Vaucluse department, vence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, Francegetty Domaine de Montvac
Vacqueyras. 92-93 points
Wines from this domaine in the Rhone Valley are duced by 5th and 6th generation female winemakers: Cécile Dusserre and her daughter Amélie
This blend duced exclusively by Amélie includes eight different massal selected grape varieties and is Grenache dominant
Aromas are rich, spicy and long, the tannins are soft and the flavors creamy and supple
An intriguing blend of freshness and complexity
Although 14% in alcohol, this tastes lighter
La Vigne et L’Abeille
Vin de France. 92+ points
From Marina and Loic Fourure in Brittany on the west coast of France, not far from the Quiberon Bay of the Atlantic Ocean
The name of the winery means The Vine and the Bee and their vines are all massal selected
This blend of Chenin Blanc and Savagnin has 12. 5% alcohol
Duced and aged in steel
Brilliantly precise citrics and acidity with a creamy, almost caramel finish
Château de Beaucastel
Hommage a Jacques Perrin
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 100 points
Tasted during a visit to the renovated winery complex in April
Complex tertiary aromas of orange peel, leather, star anise, herbs and black pepper
Slight caramel and prunes mid palate
Slick, balanced, suave and silky brilliant tannins
A complex river of subtle flavors in this avuncular, intimate and inspiring blend with an invigorating and lasting finish
This is a journey un you have taken before—quite the sensory yellow brick road
Château de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin, 1998 - Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, FranceTom Mullen MORE FOR YOU Domaine Court de Mautens
From Jérôme Bressy in the Vaucluse in vence, this golden colored white blend of eight grapes (including Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier) includes aromas of honey and caramel and is made from massal selected vines planted in 2009
Similarities to an excellent Sancerre from the Loire Valley
Aged in large wooden casks, this 16% alcohol wine has heft and a complex mid palate with flavors that include oranges
Séries Limitées. 93+ points
From below the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, this Gigondas wine is a 68/20/12 blend of Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged 15 months partially in new oak
It includes cherry and red plum aromas, as well as herbs of vence and cedar
Lusciously soft mid palate brazen with dripping red fruit, sleek tannins and pepper and spice on a zesty finish
The maker recommends pairing with a lamb tajeen with red onions; also consider a peach cobbler dessert
AOC Languedoc. 92+ points
The name of the wine means ‘the cellar owl’ and the winery is located in Pic Saint Loup in the Languedoc
From winemaker Syvlie Guiraudon, this is a 70/30 blend of Vermentino/Grenache Blanc that was vinified in steel at a low temperature; the grapes are all massal selected. 5% alcohol
Zesty acidity and lime citrics from the Vermentino and a delicious, creamy, fresh mid palate with a sparky finish
Pair with fresh seafood
Vines at the foot of Dentelles de Montmirail peaks, Vaucluse department, vence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Terrasses du Larzac. 93-94 points
A 66/13/13/8 blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre/Carignan aged 12 months in barrels, amphorae and cement. 5% alcohol
Aromas of hickory, sage, smoke, molasses, tar and tarragon
A chewy and crunchy mouthful with flavors that include dark licorice, black plums, balsamic
Rich acidity folded onto lacquered layers of deep flavors
Well structured but quiet tannins
Mocha and aniseed on the finish
Pair with a beef and mango tajeen or a lava chocolate cake
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Dark fresh aromas—both bright and deep—of red plums, orange rind, sultanas, figs, gorse and earth
A chewy delightful wine—rich, layered, jumping with flavors that include raspberries, cherries and fudge parfait
A textured wine deliciously fresh and balanced and oozing with vibrant flavors
A fluid non-static tannic structure, clean and tingling acidity
A forward and delicious way to being a dinner
Pair with pork and barbecue sauce or with a lasagna
Grand Vin de Bordeaux. 92-93 points
From Isabelle and Didier Gil
Earthy aromas of mushrooms, wet soil, cedar
A fresh and bright and well-balanced mid palate that shines with red fruit and includes a textured finish with a hint of chocolate
Beautiful acidity and light red fruit—plums, raspberries
The tannins take a back seat to acidity, which will help this wine age for decades
Cotes de Bourg. 93+ points
This right bank Bordeaux wine includes the characteristic Malbec grape from Bourg and the alcohol level is 14%
Rich, rounded, perfumed aromas of honeysuckle and roses as well as mocha
Rich and opulent flavors include red cherries, herbs of vence and red licorice
Well balanced and easy drinking with rounded soft tannins and a long cherry/orange finish
Pair with grilled lamb and tabouli
Bourg village, Bordeaux, Francegetty Croix de Labrie
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. 97+ points
Aromas of black cherries, bacon, raspberries, sea salt, cassis, mocha, fudge and caramel
Cinnamon peeking out after minutes
Beautiful silky tannins, brilliant finish with chocolate and cherries
Light and rippling acidity
Needs time in the glass
Balanced with delicacy and harmony and subtle delights; lava cake on the finish
Château George 7. 94+ points
This 15% alcohol Merlot from Sally Evans on the right bank of Bordeaux originates from 40-year-old vines
Aged 18 months in French oak
A minestrone brew of dark, diverse, complex and compelling aromas including red plums, butterscotch, wild fennel and black licorice
Chewy and textured mid palate tannins and flavors include bouillon, blueberries and dark plums
Slight spice/cumin on a lip tingling finish
Pair with a piping hot meat pie or a blackberry tart dessert
Château de Haut Coulon
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux
This 13% alcohol right bank Bordeaux includes statured and hefty aromas of blackberry, anise, slight petrol and menthol
Chewy mid palate with tarragon and soy
Slightly complex with a generously long and well-rounded finish and well integrated tannins
Pair with roast beef and cheddar cheese
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