Or perhaps, truly fine red wines made from Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and the other southern grapes, will in 30 years be coming from the more northerly climes of Beaujolais and Burgundy. Tags: Bandol Technical Stuff Provence Châteauneuf du Pape Until a decade ago, alcohol levels were typically about 13%. Anyone want in? MORE >>

This guy likes Bordeaux, so I brought a wine I thought he would enjoy, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Provence, a naturally made wine with beautiful aromatics and a real sense of place, the 2000 Domaine du Deffends Côteaux Varois Clos de la Truffi è re. We had quite a streak, and I guess I shouldn't complain. MORE >>

If you're willing to spend $25 or more, the rosés of Bandol in Provence are among the world's finest, and I think they're worth every penny. Here are the rosés I've had at home so far this spring, some great, some not as great: 2008 Commanderie de Peyrassol Côtes de Provence Rosé , $14, Rosenthal Imports. Really a lovely wine. MORE >>

From a central California vineyard, Sine Qua Non's 2006 Grenache Raven Series (8% syrah, 26% whole cluster fermented and aged in about 40% new French oak) is a purple color turning ruby on the rim - not opaque - but there is a certain density to the color here. Smooth on the palate, with nice acidity through the midnote. MORE >>

beautiful wine from the Côte de Provence, a blend of 85% Rolle (that's Vermentino to you Italo-philes) and 15% Ugni-Blanc (that's Trebbiano to you Italo-philes). Syrah, and Grenache. 75% Syrah, some Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre make up the balance. Classic peppery and meaty Syrah, with good energy and balance. MORE >>