Mas de la Rouvière, Domaines Bunan, Bandol 2009 $25
I love this wine! It’s a happy wine – simple, beautiful, uncomplicated and every time I open a bottle, even in drizzly November New York, it makes me think of Provence in the sunshine.
The Bunan family make a range of reds, some pretty classy, and pretty expensive, but this is my favorite, which is lucky because it’s the only red available in the US. It’s such a crowd pleaser I frequently choose it for corporate events, and everyone loves it.
It’s packed with flavor, yet is in no way dense or heavy the way so many hot climate reds can be. This the appeal of Mourvèdre: in the right hands it’s serious enough to accompany a divine leg of lamb cooked over old vine stumps, yet so friendly and relaxed it’s ideal for a summer lunch of chèvre, olives and charcuterie on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Shoes optional.
It will also be perfect for the Thanksgiving turkey if you're still scrambling.
Look for this lovely red making a return appearance in my upcoming roundup column on Wines of Bandol.
+++++++
Rating: *****
When To Drink: Now
Breathing/Decanting: An hour’s breathing is helpful
Food Pairing: Extremely flexible – any meat dishes from venison to lamb, plus chicken and even pizza.
Grapes: Primarily Mourvèdre plus Cinsault & Syrah
Appellation: Bandol
Region: Provence
Country: France
Price: $25
Availability: Moderate, and easily ordered.
Web site: www.bunan.com
