I’m loving this Cotes-du-Rhone Villages from a vineyard next door to the domaine’s Chateauneuf-du Pape vines in Courthezon. No simple red, Domaine de la Janasse’s cuvee “Terre d’Argile” is a blend of 55 percent Grenache with lesser amounts of Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvedre. The scents of dark berries, earth and something wild and smoky are all right there. The color is intense, the flavors rich and deep. A beautiful bottle for wood-grilled or roasted meats, a burger or a pastrami sandwich.

● Region: Southern Rhone, France

● Price: About $15

● Style: Rustic and easy

drinking

● What it goes with: Pork or lamb chops, roast turkey, meatballs, pastrami sandwich

By S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times

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