Chapoutier, Côtes du Roussillon Villages (Languedoc, France) 2012

Chapoutier, one of the great producers of Rhone wines, has recently started producing wines in the Languedoc and we consumers are the beneficiaries.  This robust red has all the sun-kissed warm fruit flavors you’d expect from the South of France while savory spicy notes act as a foil.  It finishes with a hint of bitterness, not a blast of sweetness.  Mild, polished tannins allow you to enjoy it now.  Its charming rusticity makes it a good choice for burgers on the grill. It’s a great bargain.