Summer Picks From Southern France
Côtes de Provence Rosé “MiP,” Dom. des Diables – 2023 $14.96 for a limited time
Here you have it: that classic Provence rosé! When in doubt, drinkers typically opt for lighter rosé, which has led some producers to make what amounts to very bland acidic water. 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. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
“Premiers Pas” Vin de France, Dom. des Deux nes – 2022 $17.96
Great Value alert! This is a wine that severely over delivers. If you want to see what complexity can look like in an affordable price point “Premiers Pas” is it. This is a wine that essentially defies what I assume wines from Corbieres should taste like. While the region is generally filled with big rich reds, this is a wine that takes a more subtle, yet still flavorful stance. Packed with notes of blueberries, black berries, and a bit of tart black cherries, this wine has freshness and liveliness. – Archie Archuleta, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Mas de Gourgonnier, Baux de Provence – 2021 $17.97
Quite often I’ll learn a few things from our more astute customers. I picked up a bottle of Mas de Gourgonnier upon a recommendation of one of our visitors. The amount of goodness in this modestly priced Baux de Provence is astounding. You’ll find aromas of red and black fruit, flint, and dried herbs. It first feels silky yet dense on the palate. Mild, grainy tannins begin to appear with a hint of black olive and smoke. Bring a few bottles to your next barbecue. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Vin de France Rouge, Les Bidules – 2022 $26.96
Here’s a wine to bring to the beach. Soft edges, plump ripe plums, juicy red berries, savory herbs, and river stones are traits that make this wine easy to consume and easy to enjoy. Try to serve this around 50 degrees. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne, Le Goeuil – 2016 $28.96
Twenty miles north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the village of Cairanne didn’t receive AOC status until 2016. And what a vintage! 2016 is widely regarded as an incredible year in the Rhône. Daniel Brunier of Vieux Télégraphe explains “I would never use this word lightly, but 2016 is the absolute best vintage I’ve ever seen here since 1978.” Even though it was only validated recently by the authorities, that doesn’t mean Cairanne hasn’t been producing excellent wines for years. Made from impeccable Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Counoise grapes, this Cairanne bears all of the southern Rhône notes we love: black cherries, garrigue, olives, and stones. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Irouléguy Blanc “Herri Mina” – 2022 $44.99
Deep in an area renowned for its independent and strong ancestral culture, the Basque Country is in the southwestern-most part of France. Here, Irouléguy received its appellation contrôlée in 1970, with about 250 acres of vineyards. Jean-Claude Berrouet is an Irouléguy native who left home for thirty years to serve as the winemaker at Château Pétrus. But the Basque region has a powerful pull, and Jean-Claude eventually returned and now makes this splendid white blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Corbu, and Petit Manseng there. The vines are planted on the steep south-facing slopes of the Pyrénées, 400 feet above sea level. It’s a fleshy and bright white with excellent texture and complex flavors ranging from honey crisp apple to nectarine, pink sea salt, and honeysuckle. Paired wonderfully with shrimp and scallop gumbo and cheesy grits. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Hermitage “Pierrelle,” Barruol – 2015 $84.96
Few have had a more seismic impact on American wine drinkers than Kermit Lynch. After more than 40 years of importing exquisite, terroir-driven wines from small family producers, his name on a bottle has become synonymous with exceptional quality. It’s as close to a guarantee of a good wine as you can get. In the southern Rhône, Louis Barruol is one of his star producers and they often collaborate on wines. This syrah comes from a vineyard at the top of the famed Hermitage hill, and this high altitude lends the wine a certain restraint. It’s traditional in style, with incredible elegance, a beguiling swirl of gorgeous black cherry, tobacco, and earthy notes. This is Old World charm at its absolute best. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager