The palate is dense and ripe, yet wonderfully smooth and elegant. Racines seems to tap into the history of Les Pallières, the prestige and the high-toned elegance.

This lovely Muscat is full of fresh honeysuckle and ripe citrus fruit.

Full-bodied yet delicate, infused with the joie de vivre of the south of France.

Leydiers at Domaine de Durban are particularly proud of their Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a vin doux naturel, as they are among the last to craft it in the traditional style.

There’s a gentle veil of minerality, and the nose is expansive, making way for notes that are more spiced than fruity.

An abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day.

An abundance of violets and velvet, amid a cooling sensation of a cold spring on a hot day.

Dark-fruited, with fresh acidity and stony tannins, it’s about as versatile as reds come from the south of France.

The flavors are mostly deep and dark—stones, licorice, black olive, and blackberry—but the frame is lithe.

Clairette, an unsung hero of the south, is the main grape here, undoubtedly one of many key elements to this singular wine.