Southern France 6-Pack Sampler #2 - Great Value Reds From Southern France

Sampler includes 1 bottle each wine:

Chevalier Delaude Languedoc Rouge (Languedoc-Roussillon) - The Chevalier Delaude Languedoc Rouge is an extraordinary value, having earned a 95-point Gold Medal and a "Best Value" award from Decanter for the 2022 vintage. It is classic Southern French blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre (a 'GSM' blend) delivers far above its modest price point. It showcases a rich, full-bodied profile of concentrated dark fruits like blackberry and plum, seamlessly interwoven with savory notes of black pepper, licorice, and the dried Garrigue herbs characteristic of the region. The palate is lush and juicy, structured by firm yet silky-smooth tannins that make it an immediate pleasure to drink. This wine's combination of power and elegance makes it a perfect, high-value match for grilled burgers, pizza, or any hearty red meat dish.

Jean Esprit Crozes Hermitage (Northern Rhone) - Domaine Jean Esprit is a family estate known for producing pure, authentic expressions of Syrah. Their Crozes-Hermitage is an excellent, relatively early-drinking introduction to the Northern Rhône style. A wine focused on freshness and vibrancy, as it's aged mostly in stainless steel tanks rather than new oak. Expect aromas of concentrated blackberry and black cherry fruit, lifted by the classic Syrah markers of black pepper, licorice, a hint of tobacco, and a savory earthy/gamey note. The palate is medium-bodied with a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and lively acidity, supported by fine, persistent tannins.

Aime Arnoux Cotes du Rhone Selectiones Parcellaire (Rhone River Valley) - A rich and intense Cotes du Rhone produced by the historic Arnoux family estate, located in the village of Vacqueyras, dating back to 1717.  This wine is a classic Southern Rhône blend of Grenache and Syrah with a generous and full-bodied character. Aromas and flavors of ripe plum, dark cherry, and blackberry, balanced by savory notes of licorice, clove, leather, and a hint of pepper and local garrigue herbs. On the palate, it is ample, fruity, and generous, with soft, powdery tannins and a long finish that often shows subtle oak notes from barrel aging.

Domaine Mas Barrau Cabernet Franc (Gard) - One of the great things about France's Languedoc region is its relative lack of rules around allowed varietals in stark contrast to much of the rest of France.  This allows the region's winemakers to be more experimental and we love this organically Cabernet Franc more often associated with the Loire Valley or Bordeaux in France.  
Unlike the lean, sometimes dusty and herbaceous Cabernet Franc found in France's cooler climates, this version is fuller, richer, and more luxurious, making it a sophisticated take on the varietal. Organically farmed and is composed of 100% Cabernet Franc, it has generous flavors of ripe blackberries and dark plums, with the Cabernet Franc's signature earthy and savory notes coming through as clove, a wild, woodland perfume, and perhaps a hint of menthol or prune on the finish. It is medium-bodied with firm, yet approachable tannins, offering a rustic but juicy experience.

Le Fou Pinot Noir (Pays d'Oc) - Another delicious wine attesting to the versatility and variety that the Languedoc region delivers is this fantastic Pinot Noir.  Le Fou Pinot Noir comes from the IGP Pays d'Oc in the greater Languedoc-Roussillon region. The name "Le Fou" translates to "The Madman," which is a humorous nod to the idea that only a madman would try to grow a grape as finicky as Pinot Noir in the sun-drenched south—a myth that has clearly been dispelled by wines like this.  it opens with ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, and a hint of cranberry, underscored by subtle floral notes and a whisper of spice. The palate is soft and supple, with low tannins and a juicy acidity that keeps the wine lively and approachable. There's a touch of earthiness and dried herbs that adds dimension, but the overall impression is one of freshness and easy-drinking elegance. It’s a modern, unoaked style that favors purity of fruit over structure, making it a versatile companion for lighter fare or casual sipping.

Fabien Jouves "You F#! My Wine" Vin de France (Southwest France) - The name and "Vin de France" classification are actually a cheeky response from the winemaker to French regulators. The Cahors appellation does not allow the use of a key grape in this blend, Jurançon Noir, so the winemaker, Fabien Jouves, essentially made a statement about prioritizing the grapes he loves over the rules. The wine is a blend of the local Malbec, known as Côt, and Jurançon Noir, sometimes with small additions of Valdiguié and Merlot. Jouves farms his vineyards organically and biodynamically, using native yeasts and minimal intervention to produce a wine that is intentionally light and fresh, setting it apart from the traditionally deep and tannic Malbecs of Cahors. A lively, bright expression of tart red fruits such as sour cherry and red currant with underlying notes of darker berries and a subtle, appealing earthy or herbal component. A light to medium-bodied, with refreshing acidity and gentle tannins, its great at cellar temp or try it with a slight chill.