Price: $12

Producer: Louis Bernard

Origin: Lirac - in the southern Rhône valley of France

Type of wine: Dry red wine made from Grenache, Syrah Cinsault and Mourvèdre grapes

Try it with: This wine needs food to really shine – grilled and roasted meats, tomato-based pasta, garlicky mashed potatoes

Date Reviewed: March 2004

ne valley reds continue to be France’s best red wine values. This wine comes from Lirac, which is near the famous/famously expensive Chateauneuf du Pape region. This is a deep ruby colored wine – in fact it’s almost purple. There is a little brick red/orange around the rim, which tells you the wine has aged somewhat. According to my nose, it’s aged quite nicely. Scents of plum, tomato plant, earth and herbs waft from the glass. In the mouth the Lirac is medium bodied and fairly well balanced. Flavors are quite different from the aroma: figs, light spice, plums and ‘round’ tannins. It is a terrific food wine. At $12, it’s a sweet deal too.