This month finds us firmly rooted in France, the South of France to be exact, and it’s sort of fitting. Imagine the cold mistral wind, blowing constantly, as you force your way into the wind sealed door of the local bistro to drink a glass of . . . well you get the picture. We do venture out a bit, but no need. These are wines to excite your senses and warm your body and soul.

All are great wines for the holiday season, but remember to save some for yourself. Drink them with good chear.

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To See what’s in your Extraordinary Wines From Off The Beaten Path All Red Shipment, click here

Best Wishes,

Jake

When Veronique and Aîme Guibert fell in love with the rundown Daumas family farm, hidden behind dense garrigue in the Gassac valley in 1970, the last thing on their minds was producing what would improbably become the greatest wine of the Languedoc. But one thing led to another and by 1978 they had produced their, their very natural, Cabernet predominant first wine. By 1982, Mas Daumas de Gassac Rouge was recognized as one of the best red wines in France.

In 1991 the Guiberts (there was now a second generation helping with the work) were incensed by the EU’s plan to pull up many of the historic vineyards of the Languedoc in a misguided effort to reduce the oversupply of mediocre wine. They made agreements with two local cooperatives to utilize their vines in a new, premium quality wine, and thus prevent them from being pulled up. The resulting wines were released under the name Moulin de Gassac and have represented some of the best values in France since their inception.

This wine is made from 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 25% Carignan , and 15% Cinsault that come from vines with a minimum of 25 years of age. The wine is aged in cement vats and sees no filtration. Try it with turkey or other poultry, pork roast, or lamb. Drink now – 2013.