Our Light Red Wines

Not all red wines are made to impress through power. Some seduce instead through their finesse, freshness and extraordinary ease at the table. Do you love red wines that drink without effort — those that accompany an aperitif as easily as a summer salad, roast poultry or an evening among friends? You are probably a lover of light red wines.

At Vinodelice, we have selected reds from all four corners of the world that share one thing: a great deal of pleasure, very little heaviness.

How to choose a light red wine?

Not all light reds are alike. Some rely on crunchy fruit, others on freshness or elegance.

Do you love light and fruity reds?

Gamay is often the first candidate. Its aromas of cherry, raspberry and fresh red fruit make it an ideal companion for aperitifs or relaxed meals. Justine Baudry's organic Gamay "Les Pieds sur Terre", the Morgon from Jean-Ernest Descombes or the Juliénas Château des Capitans perfectly illustrate this generosity.

Do you love elegant reds?

Pinot Noir is an essential reference. Whether it comes from Burgundy, Tasmania, Central Otago or Marlborough, it seduces through its finesse and ability to accompany many dishes without ever dominating. Nanny Goat, Dalrymple, Catalina Sounds or Rising Pinot Noir are excellent entry points.

Do you love light and original reds?

Certain lesser-known grape varieties are worth the detour. Chilean País, Australian Cinsault or certain high-altitude Pinot Noirs offer a different approach to lightness, often marked by great digestibility.

Do you love light but gastronomic reds?

Not all light wines are simply aperitif wines. The finest Pinot Noirs or certain terroir-driven Gamays can accompany refined cuisine while retaining their natural elegance. The great Pinot Noirs from Burn Cottage, Tolpuddle or Domaine Nico are perfect examples.

A world tour of light red wines

At Vinodelice, we hold one conviction: lightness is one of the finest expressions of wine. A Tasmanian Pinot Noir looks nothing like a Central Otago Pinot Noir. A Beaujolais Gamay does not express fruit the same way as a Chilean País or an Australian Cinsault.

This collection invites you to discover the many faces of light reds through some of the world's finest vineyards: Beaujolais, Loire, Burgundy, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Central Otago, Marlborough, Patagonia, Itata Valley and McLaren Vale. Because a light wine can be fruity, floral, spiced or complex — and it is precisely this diversity that makes it so fascinating.

Our top picks for discovering light red wines

For the aperitif

• Justine Baudry "Les Pieds sur Terre" Gamay 2024
• Rising Gamay 2020
• CO PA País 2019

For discovering great Gamay

• Domaine Jean-Ernest Descombes Morgon Côte du Py 2022
• Château des Capitans Juliénas 2021
• Domaine de Javernière Morgon Côte du Py 2022

For Pinot Noir lovers

• Nanny Goat Pinot Noir 2022
• Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2021
• Sound of White Pinot Noir 2020
• Rising Pinot Noir 2022

For lovers of great Pinot Noir

• Tolpuddle Pinot Noir 2023
• Burn Cottage Pinot Noir 2020
• Domaine Nico Grand-Mère 2022

To go off the beaten track

• Brash Higgins Cinsault
• CO PA País 2019
• Bodega del Desierto Pinot Noir 2021

The great light red wine terroirs

Beaujolais: the kingdom of Gamay

Morgon, Juliénas or Moulin-à-Vent show that light red wines can also gain in depth and complexity.

Central Otago: Pinot Noir on a grand scale

Located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand, Central Otago produces some of the most elegant and sought-after Pinot Noirs in the world.

Tasmania: freshness and precision

Thanks to its cool climate, Tasmania has become one of the world references for airy and refined Pinot Noir.

Yarra Valley: Australian elegance

Yarra Valley produces delicate, digestible reds that are particularly well suited to gastronomy.

Loire: French light reds

Gamay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc produce wines full of energy and freshness.

The star grape varieties of light red wines

Gamay - Cherry, raspberry: Low tannins

Pinot Noir - Cherry, redcurrant, gentle spices: Low tannins

Cinsault - Red fruit, gentle spices: Low tannins

País - Red fruit, fresh herbs: Low tannins

Poulsard - Red fruit, spices: Very low tannins

Frappato - Strawberry, pomegranate: Low tannins

Light red wine and food pairing

Aperitif: Gamay, País

Charcuterie: Gamay, Pinot Noir

Roast poultry: Pinot Noir

Grilled salmon: Pinot Noir

Vegetarian cuisine: Cinsault, País

Tapas: Gamay, Cinsault

Pizza: Gamay, Pinot Noir

Why choose a light red wine?

Light red wines are attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. They generally offer fewer tannins, greater freshness, great versatility at the table, the option of serving slightly chilled and excellent drinkability. They are often the best choice when looking for a red wine that is easy to enjoy without sacrificing quality or complexity.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about light red wines

Which light red wine to choose when you dislike tannins?

Gamay, Pinot Noir, País and Cinsault are among the best choices.

Which light red wine for an aperitif?

Gamay wines are particularly well suited thanks to their freshness and low tannin structure.

Can a light red wine be served chilled?

Yes. Between 12 and 15°C, many light reds gain even more freshness.

Which is the lightest grape variety?

Gamay, Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Cinsault are among the grape varieties most associated with light reds.

Which light red wine to give as a gift?

A Pinot Noir from New Zealand or Tasmania is generally a safe bet.

Light red wine or fruity red wine?

The two notions are close but different. A light wine puts the emphasis on freshness and finesse, while a fruity wine prioritises aromatic expression of fruit. Some wines, such as many Gamays or Pinot Noirs, combine both qualities.

Can a light red wine be a great wine?

Absolutely. Some of the world's most prestigious Pinot Noirs, notably in Burgundy, New Zealand or Tasmania, are celebrated for their finesse and elegance rather than their power.