Staff Favorites From Southern France
Soak in long summer days with rich Côtes du Rhône, light Picpoul de Pinet, or quintessential Provençal rose.
Picpoul de Pinet “Cuvée Dames”, Gaujal de St. Bon – 2021 $13.99
Picpoul often gets pigeonholed into the cheap and cheerful category, but the mom-and-daughter duo Simonne and Virginie Gaujal take this variety and their winemaking seriously. Yields are kept small, native yeasts kickstart fermentation, and lees age adds additional texture to this lovely white wine. Ideal with oysters and good company. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Souleil, Vin de Bonté Rouge – 2020 $17.96
This wonderful, value-driven wine, is a blend of 80% Syrah and 10% each of Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre. The organic fruit is first destemmed and then vinified in stainless steel to preserve the natural acidity, freshness and fruit-forwardness of this wine. A beautiful, sub-$20 wine. – Matt Goodyear, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Côtes de Provence Rosé “MiP,” Dom. des Diables – 2022 $24.96
Here you have it: that classic Provence rosé! The “MiP” rosé is very clean and refreshing, but has something else going on, too. If you’re looking for Whispering Angel, this is the perfect substitute, at a much better price. 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, and 20% Grenache are left to age on the lees for 4 months after cold fermentation. The resulting wine is crisp with a light texture and easy-peasy to drink. With fruit flavors that are reminiscent of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc (think Sancerre). – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Cairanne, Sans Soufre, Marcel Richaud – 2020 $28.96
This Côtes-du-Rhône sans soufre (“without sulfur”) by Marcel Richaud comes from the village of Cairanne, which lies on low hills with prime sun exposure and protection from Le Mistral, ensuring for cooler temperatures especially during the hotter months. Richaud’s Cairanne is meant to express the village’s stellar terroir. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan from stony-clay limestone soils, this cuvee is fermented and aged primarily in concrete tanks, the rest in oak. Aromas of black tea, stewed red fruit, blueberry jam with flavors of frozen blueberries, lavender, sage, punchy cranberry and a spicy red licorice finish. – Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Baux de Provence “Cornaline” Hauvette – 2016 $61.99
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the color of this red is pale with a slight garnet tinge, hinting at a wine that has left the awkwardness of youth behind. Aromas are full of intense red and black fruit—cherries, strawberries, and black currant—followed by herbal and floral notes. It’s light yet fresh; elegant yet intense. Elements of fruit, earthy garrigue, dusty tannins, and savoriness come together to form one fine sip. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager