6 Bottles of Fontaine du Clos Côtes-du-Rhône Red | 2022

Like my friend Chianti, Côtes-du-Rhône doesn't scream, "Exciting!" It’s a big, broad bucket—ubiquitous, often forgettable—and easy to roll your eyes at. But in the hands of a good producer, it’s a reminder that the classics are limitless. I packed a couple bottles of this Côtes-du-Rhône red for Christmas, and I was worried about oxidation versus freshness. My marker for oxidative Grenache-based reds? Too much wet meat = dog food (yuck!) This 2022 is fresh and sassy with all the colors of red and that garrigue fairy dust—licorice, lavender, and mushroom forest. A classic blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, with 14% ABV, it’s bold yet feathery—landing in that sweet spot between medium-bodied and plus. Count me in for another glass of boring Côtes-du-Rhône! ~Allegra Angelo