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.

It beckons you to follow Maxime-François’s advice: “Drink it when you are very, very thirsty!”

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

Deep, concentrated, and refreshingly saline, this is like great Cornas with Mediterranean influences.

This Gigondas—densely concentrated and deeply opaque—is more refined than meets the eye.

Deep, dynamic Grenache feels aptly highlighted by bright and fresh Clairette. Soft and rich, yet still defined.

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

A pure Syrah bottling offering wild flavors of the Provençal countryside gently wrapped in a thick coat of tooth-staining deep purple fruit.

If there were a Hall of Fame for French bistro reds, Poignée would be a first-ballot inductee—vibrant and classy, it’s the southern France counterpart to our favorite Morgons.