Belleplane Red

When it comes to red grapes, there are many in the Languedoc-Roussillon, an area that encompasses almost the entirety of Mediterranean France. But there are a few pockets of an unusual grape called Alicante Bouschet, one of only a handful of grapes that actually has colored juice (as opposed to the color coming from the skins). With 70% Alicante and 30% Syrah, and a half year or so in barrel, this wine is powerful, dense and chewy.