Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2016

 I know this producer, a co-operative, well, having rented a summer vacation house fifteen minutes down the road every year for a decade.  They have many bottlings and many labels, but one thing that is constant is the quality of their wines and the value they deliver.  Take this straightforward Côte du Rhône.  Made exclusively from Cinsault, it’s both earthy and fruity with suave tannins.  Refined and smooth, especially for a Côte du Rhône, it could be chilled for summertime sipping.  This mid-weight red is perfect for pizza or roast chicken.  It’s a tremendous value.