What Is Glouglou Wine?

Some wines demand attention. Others demand a second glass. Glouglou wine belongs firmly in the latter category.

The term glouglou comes from French and mimics the sound of wine being poured generously from a bottle. It is not an official wine style, but rather a way of making and enjoying wine. Glouglou wines are light, juicy, vibrant, and irresistibly drinkable. These are the bottles you open with friends around a table, on a sunny terrace, or during a picnic in the park.

What Defines a Glouglou Wine?

Glouglou wine is all about pleasure. No heavy oak ageing, no excessive extraction, and no complicated tasting notes. These wines are approachable, yet far from boring.

Typical characteristics of glouglou wine include:

Plenty of fresh fruit
Low to moderate tannins
Bright acidity
Often a lower alcohol level
A supple, juicy texture
Exceptional drinkability

The result is a wine that naturally invites another pour.

Is Glouglou Wine Always Natural Wine?

Not necessarily, but there is a strong connection.

Many glouglou wines are made by natural winemakers who work with spontaneous fermentation, minimal intervention, and little to no added sulphites. This approach often preserves the freshness, energy, and fruit character of the wine.

That said, not every natural wine is a glouglou wine. Some natural wines are complex, powerful, or even challenging. Glouglou refers above all to a wine’s drinkability.

Which Grapes Are Used for Glouglou Wine?

There are no strict rules, but certain grape varieties are particularly well suited to a glouglou style.

Popular examples include:

Gamay
Cinsault
Pinot Noir
Grolleau
Carignan
Blaufränkisch

These grapes often produce light, fruit-forward wines with plenty of energy and very little heaviness.

Should You Serve Glouglou Wine Chilled?

Absolutely.

Many glouglou reds are at their best when served slightly chilled. A temperature between 12°C and 15°C (54°F–59°F) helps highlight the fruit and keeps the wine wonderfully refreshing.

On a warm summer day, a chilled glouglou red can be a perfect alternative to rosé.

When Should You Drink Glouglou Wine?

Glouglou wine shines during simple, joyful moments:

Aperitifs with friends
Barbecues
Picnics
Pizza nights
Charcuterie and cheese boards
Sunny afternoons on a terrace

These are wines that don’t require a special occasion. They make an ordinary occasion feel special.

Our Take on Glouglou

At Glou, we love wines with character, but we also love wines that disappear from the bottle all too quickly. To us, glouglou doesn’t mean simple or superficial. It means wine that is alive, energetic, and made to be enjoyed.

That’s why our selection includes many bottles that embody this philosophy: natural wines from independent winemakers crafted to be shared, discovered, and above all, enjoyed.