Bold Reds Gift

Graves has long been celebrated as one of Bordeaux's premier villages. With its famous gravelly soils (thus, Graves), and ideal maritime growing conditions, the wines that emerge from these vineyards are powerful, robust, and meant for laying down for some period of time. The Janicon Rouge shows this Bordelaise pedigree from first whiff, with notes of toast, red fruit, and graphite, moving to a robust palate with long tannin, and a memorable, earth-driven finish.

Nothing beats red meat and Bordeaux, and the Janicon Rouge is a wine that will stand up to any steak you can think of, though we love it with a New York Strip and an au poivre sauce. Alternatively, enjoy with a robust ragù over fresh pappardelle, or a rich, butter-basted cabbage steak.

A great example of the many sides of Barbera, this is a soft and elegant expression, yet it does maintain some power too. Opening with notes of dark cherry and plum, along with a touch of chocolate, the palate is lighter on the palate than one might expect, with great back-end acid. It's a wine that rewards revisiting and taking it all in.

A perfect foil to full-flavored poultry or game dishes, the Marchisio Barbera will be excellent beside a sumac-and-zaatar-spiked roast chicken, a pan-seared duck breast with a savory sauce, or a savory salad of marinated veggies and pasta.

Although the Collines Rhodaniennes may not be a household name, the wines from this small Northern Rhône appellation can rival some of France's great Syrahs. Opening with notes of blackberry, fresh tilled earth, and just a touch of bacon fat, the palate is rich, and concentrated, but with enough lift and life to keep things interesting all the way to its robust finish.

A fabulous pairing partner for anything with a char, enjoy the Collines Syrah beside a classic picnic shoulder with a smoky barbecue sauce, classic French onion soup, or steak tartare with grilled bread.