Top 10 French Red Wines for 2026
With the new year, we invite you to discover new additions to the range at Hourlier Wines, as well as rediscover some absolute classics to stock your cellar and share with friends and family.
As always, we are suggesting wines from different regions and from a variety of styles, but always from trusted small producers, whose talent is to put their craft and passion in a bottle. Here are our Top 10 French Red Wines for 2026.
1. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru - Château Orisse du Casse
From a small, 10-hectare estate in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux, this beautiful red wine is made with Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Made to last, this red aged in oak barrels offers scents of red and black fruit, followed by toasted notes over a round palate with polished tannins. Best enjoyed with beef, game, and hard cheese, it shows all its potential after a few years laying down (or a few hours in a decanter).
2. Bordeaux Red - Château de Bonhoste
A long-time favourite of the team, Château de Bonhoste Bordeaux Red combines 70% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc for a structured and balanced wine. On the nose, it delivers black fruit aromas and spices, while on the palate, it is elegant and harmonious. Best enjoyed with cured pork, cold cuts, and cheese.
3. Cahors - Chateau de Gaudou Tradition
Crafted by the Durou family with their 300-year expertise, Chateau de Gaudou Tradition is a pleasant example of a French Malbec, blended with a little bit of Merlot. From the grape’s ancestral home, Cahors, this red wine opens with red fruit, spice, and floral aromas while its palate-coating tannins leave a lasting impression. Can be paired with grilled red meat and hard cheese.
4. Languedoc-Roussillon - Villa Dondona, Que du Grenache
From the terraced vineyards of Montpeyroux, this lovely Grenache from a tiny 21-acre vineyard shows the varietal’s potential when grown with care. Expect bright red fruit aromas and refreshing acidity, a light body, and a silky texture. An instant success when we first started serving it during wine tasting. Delicious when paired with grilled meat, but also with oily fish if you feel a bit more adventurous.
5. Lirac - Domaine Croze Granier
From the rolling hills of Gard, at the heart of the Rhône, winemakers Mathilde and Xavier feature Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault in a marvellous red blend brimming with black fruit, with a full body and a delicious freshness. It is their favourite wine in their range, and an excellent pair for grilled red meat and cheese.
6. Ventoux - Domaine Vintur, Le Gentleman
From only 12.5 hectares of vines in beautiful Ventoux, winemaker James Wood captures the essence of southern France in this gentlemanly Grenache-based blend. Expect aromas of dark cherries and plums with hints of undergrowth and a spicy palate with a long finish. The name Gentleman is a tribute to British cyclist Tom Simpson who died climbing Mont Ventoux during the Tour De France 1967. Pair with beef and comfort food.
7. Burgundy - Domaine Narjoux-Normand, Clos des Montaigu, Mercurey 1er Cru
Tended by the same family for generations, this Burgundian estate produces an exemplary Mercurey 1er cru, from 40 years-old vines. After extensive oak ageing, this full-bodied Pinot Noir reveals rich aromas and notes of red fruit, powerful but extremely well-balanced. Best enjoyed with game, roast meats or cheese. Drink now after aeration or lie down.
8. Beaujolais - Domaine Matray, Moulin-à-Vent
Moulin-à-Vent is a famed Beaujolais Cru known for its fantastic Gamay wines at fair prices. Domain Matray’s is the perfect example. Produced for five generations by the Matray family, it opens with bright cherry aromas and floral notes. The medium-bodied palate is juicy and charming with subtle tannins and refreshing acidity. Enjoy with lamb or a rib steak.
9. Alsace - Joseph Cattin, Steinbach Pinot Noir
A great favourite amongst our customers, the Cattin family produces this excellent red from the village of Steinbach, renowned for producing high quality Pinot Noir. Showing aromas of blackcurrants, cherries and raspberries, complex with subtle tannins, this wine has an excellent ageing potential. Enjoy with lamb, game, and sausages.
10. Languedoc-Roussillon - Domaine Pierre Cros, Bon Papa
Ex-rugby player Pierre Cros, nicknamed the King of Concentration, was awarded Winemaker of the Year 2026 by the famous Guide Hachette des Vins. His Languedoc estate produces this lovely 100% Carignan from old vines. Fresh red fruit, candied plums and oak spices make this unique wine a fantastic partner at the table. To be paired with hearty dishes, such as game or meat in sauce.
Want to see more? Visit us in-store or browse online to explore our full range of French red wine from independent producers.