Fontchêne 'Les Antiques' Rouge IGP Alpilles, France 2021

René Milan took over the family estate of Domaine Fontchêne in 2013, and has since converted the property to organic and biodynamic management.  His wines are truly expressive of this terroir, which is geologically similar to southern Rhone but with the subtle maritime influence of Provence.  All winemaking is low intervention, with spontaneous fermentation using native yeast, limited battonage and racking, and only the bare minimum sulfur added at bottling. Think Bordeaux meets Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but half the price.  Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsault, Syrah  Viticulture: Organic and Biodynamic Soils: Sandy blue clay and large galets roulés pebbles similar to those of south Rhone Pairing: Game hen stuffed with bread and herbs