A styled image of bottles of red wine and red wine decanter on a blanket. / Photo by: Tom Arena
The French region has no shortage of high-quality, value-driven red wines. Many simply carry the Bordeaux label, but if you want to drill down and get to know various appellations without breaking the bank, we’ve got just the regional designations you should watch out for—Graves, Côtes des Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion and its satellites—as well as our favorite picks for $35 and under.
Saint-Émilion and Satellites
Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Right Bank region of Saint-Émilion isn’t exactly a secret. Along with its satellite appellations of Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion and Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion, it’s been treasured by value minded Bordeaux sippers for years.
92 Château Haut-Cadet 2018 Saint-Émilion. At this stage, wood aging shows strongly in this rich wine. The dominance of Merlot gives a sense of opulence and ripe black fruits. As it develops, the wine will reveal concentration and depth from the fine tannins. Drink from 2025. Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. —R.V. abv: 14.5% Price: $30
92 Château Haut-Goujon 2016 Montagne-Saint-Émilion. With half aged in new wood, this balanced and juicy blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon shows pedigree and richness. The structure has softened and matured, the blackcurrant fruits rounded out with spice. Drink now. Vineyards to Table. —R.V. abv: 13.5% Price: $25
