Clerus Saint Chinian

The Vignerons de Cruzy Montouliers Cebazan have only been around since 2014 but they have modern cellars and contemporary ideas about winemaking, unlike some in the area. Certain spots have stood out for years. St.-Chinian uses a plethora of grapes: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah, though Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache account for about 70% of the region’s grapes.

Colline du Bonnet

Colline’s Grenache vines are baked in the sun around the town of Cébazon in eastern Languedoc, and still enjoy enough of the Mediterranean breezes to retain some acidity. The winemaking is more traditional than modern (cold soaking the grapes for two days is still new thinking) but otherwise the grapes stay on the skins in vats for at least a month; then see long aging in cement cubes. The old guys would be proud

Corasado

Bodegas Lo Nuevo has unquestionably modernized their winery; it’s practically a technical marvel now. But what makes these wines special is the place, Jumilla, with its intense weather. It’s tough ground for most grapes, but Monastrell (the French, who borrowed it from Spain, call it Mourvedre) and Cariñena (once again, a borrowed grape dubbed Carignan by the French) can thrive here.

Daou Cabernet

Georges and Daniel Daou didn’t just buy land in Paso Robles, they bought the old Hoffman Mountain Ranch and its famed barn as well. Founded by Dr. Stanley Hoffman in 1964, this was the site of some legendary wines. I can go on about the 1976 and 1977 HMR Cabernet, but then that would be rude. Let’s just say that Daou wines have an excellent and established pedigree. Their Cabernet is solely from estate fruit; powerful and plump.

Darley Alexander Valley Red

Domaine Lerys Tradition

The family estate Domaine Lérys was founded in 1861 in Villeneuve les Corbières, with vineyards planted on steep schist soils, not such a different landscape from what you find in Spain’s Priorat. The Rhone grapes like Carignan, Grenache and Syrah grown in Fitou are more generous than they are burly. Their Tradition bottling combines 60% Carignan (tangy and almost cranberry like) with dense and deep Grenache.

Domaine Priou Pinot Noir

François et Jean-François Priou mostly grow Sauvignon Blanc along the River Cher; their Touraine Sauvignon Blanc is a great value. Certain places that didn’t used to be able to ripen certain grapes are finding it easier to show off. While you might not think of the Loire Valley for Pinot Noir, it’s routinely grown there and, if you haven’t had a chance to drink any of the ethereal versions of the grape in this region, now it’s your chance.

Dosoris Lane Proprietary Red

Maybe one of the most hyped up wines this year, Dosoris Lane is all about showing what type of crazy quality you can produce for under $15. Think black pepper notes from a little Syrah. The black fruits in the middle suggest a little bit of Cabernet; the red fruits and white pepper hint at Grenache. Put it all together and you have some epic red wine from the sunny south of France, with expansive and bright flavors.

Escorlada

Spanish wine is a bargain, right? It’s been that way for decades, though it’s only been in the last ten or fifteen years that the wider world has dropped some in their gullets and said, wait, this costs how much? Certainly, less than it should. It doesn't take geniuses to notice it, so we’re not making any claims to our own brilliance. In the case of this Garnacha Tintorera, we’re pretty sure we’ve found what may be the best sub $20 wine we have ever tasted. Spain has done it again!

Ferrer Bobet Priorat Vinyes Velles