Top 10 Everyday Bordeaux Red Wines

Some of the best French wine options are Bordeaux red wines, which are usually medium-bodied with plenty of flavor. Most Bordeaux reds are blends that combine Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals in order to create complex aromas and flavors.

There are many red Bordeaux wines that cost over $100 a bottle, but that won't do if you're looking for something to drink on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are plenty of châteaux that produce red wine costing less than $45 per bottle, and you can even find them for less than $20.

1- 2005 Château La Rose du Pin

I have mentioned this Bordeaux red wine in previous articles, but there is definitely a reason for repetition. This Bordeaux red has a crisp, fruity finish, with soft notes of black cherry and oak. It goes well with salmon, pasta, red meat and chocolate, and is fine for cellaring if you want to save it for the next seven years or so.

Buy It: SuperWineMart.com
Cost: $$13.99

2- 2005 Château Mirambeau-Papin

This Bordeaux Supérieur should not be cellared for any length of time, but it is highly drinkable with intricate flavor and soft tannins. Try it with linguini, sausage or pork, and be sure to let it breathe for fifteen minutes or so after popping the cork.

Buy It: LaurentiWines.com
Cost: $16.99

3- 2002 Château Charmail

It can be enjoyed over the holidays or during a regular everyday meal, and the 2002 Château Charmail will not disappoint. This Haut-Médoc Bordeaux red is rich and flavorful with notes of black licorice, cherry and vanilla. Pair it with your favorite beef recipe or with Mexican-style meals.

Buy It: Wine.com
Cost: $13.49

4- 2005 Château Meyney

This Bordeaux red comes from the St. Estephe region, and is one of the most delicate French wine options in its price range. It has distinct Mediterranean flavors with a touch of blackberry and a long finish. Enjoy it with spicy dishes or chicken parmesan.

Buy It: WineAccess.com
Cost: $39.99

5- 2005 Château Cantenac

Some of the best red Bordeaux wines are simple and sweet, with high levels of minerals and an acidic finish. This is the case for the 2005 Château Cantenac, which goes well with seafood, salads and sausage dishes.

Buy It: Snooth.com
Cost: $16.99

6- 2005 Brondeau

If you are looking for a sweet, dark Bordeaux red, the 2005 Brondeau will satisfy your palate. The black cherry and vanilla flavors are strong, but it has an understated finish with notes of licorice and pine. It goes well with strongly flavored dishes, such as spicy sausage and peppers.

Buy It: Corkd.com
Cost: $15 - $21

7- 2000 Château la Garde

From the Pessac-léognan region of Graves, this Bordeaux red is a fine example of complex French wine, with flavors of black cherry, currant, plumb and numerous red fruits. Drink it with linguini or an Alfredo pasta, or even with a few squares of dark chocolate.

Buy It: InternetWines.com
Cost: $25

8- 2000 Château Carignan

This Bordeaux red blend is from the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux and is an extremely rich French wine offering, and might be best if cellared for a few years yet. It is chewy and fruity with a heavy oak base. Try it with meatloaf, spaghetti and other beef dishes.

Buy It: AllStarWine.com
Cost: $36.99

9- 2003 Château Marjosse

Unlike most of the other French wine offerings on this list, the 2003 Château Marjosse is an earthy and slightly chemical Bordeaux red. It is both balanced and mellow, and is perfect to enjoy right away with pork or chicken dishes.

Buy It: InternationalCellar.com
Cost: $12.99

10- 2001 Château Greysac

Soft and fresh with an oaky undercurrent, the 2001 Château Greysac comes from the highly coveted Medoc and tastes far more expensive than it actually is. Pair it with hamburgers or steak.

Buy It: RaedersWine.com
Cost: $17.99