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

The blend is equal parts Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette. Together, they create a wine that has a complex mouth-feel that finishes with a nice refreshing acidity.

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

The 2022 vintage drinks like something even more ethereal than you’d expect from a southern red.

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

It is important to remember the heights that old-vine Grenache can reach when planted on arid, stony plateaus in the shadows of Mount Ventoux.

Serve this one cool, from a carafe, with a plain old burger—generously seasoned with herbes de Provence.

Clos La Roquète’s blanc is luscious, yet finishes nice and dry with striking acidity.

It’s a gem, and you won’t be disappointed.

This is about as quaffable as the region’s rouges get.