6 lovely red wines for under 20 euros

Gift a Beautiful Bottle for Christmas: 6 Great Options Under €20

Why not gift a beautiful bottle of wine for Christmas? Here are 6 bottles under €20 that will perfectly complement your festive meals.

1) Domaine La Marseillaise

Domaine La Marseillaise, IGP Var

This Merlot, featuring the 2019 Justinien vintage, shines with its blend of Syrah, offering aromas of black fruit with a youthful edge. Domaine La Marseillaise is a family vineyard where Fabienne and Pierre implement eco-friendly agricultural, management, and transportation methods. They have even introduced a bottle deposit system for the local market, promoting bottle reuse and contributing to a more sustainable activity.

2) Château Barbe Blanche, André Lurton Vineyard

Château Barbe Blanche, AOC Lussac-Saint-Émilion

With a dark red robe and deep garnet reflections, this wine offers a fine and elegant nose, revealing a delightful mix of ripe red fruits (cherry, strawberry) with a hint of toasted oak. Château Barbe Blanche is a splendid 28-hectare property in the heart of the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, near the Gallo-Roman villa of Lucciacus which gave its name to the appellation.

3) La Cavale

La Cavale, Vignobles Paul Dubrule, AOC Lubéron

Featuring an elegant label and excellent value for money, the "La Cavale" cuvée has it all. Embodying the spirit of the Luberon, home of Vignobles Paul Dubrule, its woody and vanilla aromas offer a blend of conviviality and originality. This wine pairs wonderfully with game and red meat.

Our Red Wines Selection : Our red wines picked straight from independent growers, at grower prices. See the selection →

4) Sélection Madame du Château Cantenac

Château Cantenac, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

A Grand Cru from Château Cantenac since 1870, this wine has won numerous awards. It is a beautiful bottle that is enjoyable both in its youth and for the next decade. A reliable choice for Saint-Émilion enthusiasts, produced by a renowned Bordeaux wine house.

5) Château La Martinette Côtes de Provence

Château La Martinette, Côtes de Provence

With a bright garnet red robe and a nose of red fruits (currant, raspberry) marked by spicy notes, this wine has a very Rhône-style character. The Syrah stands out with its peppery and slightly smoky aromas. A sanguine side (game, leather) adds complexity to this wine.

6) Pradau Rouge

Domaine des Maravilhas, AOC Lirac

A leading figure in biodynamic wine culture in Languedoc, Domaine des Maravilhas is known for its "living wines" and love for nature. The "Pradau Rouge," which has received multiple awards and an excellent rating from the Robert Parker Guide, exemplifies this. Smooth and full-bodied, this cuvée with pronounced black cherry notes features bold tannins and pairs perfectly with red meat.

Our Red Wines Selection : Characterful reds sent direct from the estate, no middleman, honest prices. See the selection →

FAQ - Red wines under €20

Which red wine should I choose for under 20 euros?

This selection brings together six varied appellations under 20 euros: a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Château Cantenac), a Lussac-Saint-Émilion (Château Barbe Blanche), a Lirac (Pradau Rouge), a Luberon (La Cavale), a Côtes de Provence (Château La Martinette) and an IGP Var (Domaine La Marseillaise). It covers the main styles of French reds on a small budget.

Can a good red wine really cost under 20 euros?

Yes. By buying straight from the estates, with no merchant or distributor in between, you get the grower price. That is how you can find a Grand Cru or an award-winning biodynamic wine, such as the Pradau Rouge rated by the Robert Parker Guide, for under 20 euros.

What dishes pair well with these red wines?

The most structured cuvées, like La Cavale from the Luberon or the Pradau Rouge from Lirac, go well with game and red meat. Château La Martinette, with its peppery and smoky Syrah notes, also pairs beautifully with flavourful meats. These are reds made for the table and festive meals.

How long can these red wines be kept?

It depends on the cuvée. The Sélection Madame du Château Cantenac, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, drinks well both in its youth and over the coming decade. The other, fruitier and youthful reds in the selection, such as the Justinien from Domaine La Marseillaise, are best enjoyed within their first few years.

Which red wine can I gift at Christmas without overspending?

For a gift under 20 euros, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru or a Lussac-Saint-Émilion always make a fine impression thanks to their well-known appellations. To surprise a curious wine lover, a biodynamic wine like the Pradau Rouge from Domaine des Maravilhas is a lovely idea.