Millet Côtes de Gascogne Rouge La Cloche

An even-handed 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from Domaine de Millet, the Deche family estate just outside Eauze in the heart of Gascony, where five generations have farmed vines and distilled Armagnac. The fruit comes off 22-year-old vines on siliceous clay, and the two varieties macerate and ferment together for ten days, a deliberately gentle handling meant to hold on to the roundness and perfume of the pair rather than extract them into something heavier.

The wine pours ruby with hints of violet. The nose is fruity and lightly spiced; the palate is supple and balanced, its tannins mellow, finishing on bright fruit.

No oak, nothing to wait for, no occasion required. Serve it slightly cool, around 60F, with cold cuts, roast chicken or a weeknight plate of pasta.