Louis Max, Côtes-du-Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2018

 As this wine shows, wines from the broad Côtes du Rhône appellation can provide an excellent pleasure-to-price ratio.  A balanced and lively Grenache and Syrah blend, it has good concentration and the oomph you would expect from the south of France.  It displays both spice and plum-like fruitiness, while mild tannins prevent it from being soft.  Here’s an ideal choice for that mid-winter stew.