Bandol is a tiny AOC on the Provencal Mediterraenean- here, Mouvedre is king, and it produces lush, powerfully long lived wines. This blessed chunk of land is rugged, covered in aromatic herbs, has an abundance of sunshine, and is overrun with tourists from May through September.  The much heralded Domaine Tempier is the producer par excellence, though several other can occasionally give them a run for the money. The Bandol Rose produced here is often considered the finest in France. Grenache and Cinsaut are grown and allowed in the AOC, and really shine in the rose.

The 2000 Bandol from Domaine Tempier starts with whiffs of bacon fat, garrigue and wet earth. some dark berries follow with a palate that mirrors the nose and also has some smoke, tar and a bloody minerality that complemented my red meat so perfectly, I swear I almost cried. Decant Decant Decant

Another steal from the 2006 Cotes du Rhones, this cuvee is two-thirds Grenache with the rest being mouvedre and syrah, all from old vines. Dense with black fruit, blackberry jam and mouthstaining power, this unfiltered gem will rekindle the love affair you used to have with low priced French wine. This one has everything you want from a Cotes du Rhone, rugged beauty and the smell of rocks, garrigue and brambly pines being warmed by the Mediterranean sun- Stock up-this will keep you warm all winter.