I suspect that the Cotes du Luberon has been a memorable pit stop for many travelers who’ve ever visited Provence. Located one hour south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Cotes du Luberon is for purposes of vinous administration linked to the Rhone. However, culturally it is 100% Provence. Along with breathtaking scenery and quaint little towns, the Cotes du Luberon is also home to Château La Canorgue. This beautiful property’s 30 hectares of isolated vineyards are completely organic, and winemaking proceeds with minimal oak or human intervention. The resulting wines are pure, delicious and completely unpretentious.
2005 Côtes du Lubéron Blanc Château La Canorgue (Biodynamic) ($13.99) This exuberant and vibrant white exhibits beautiful nuances of white peach, Meyer lemon and creamy pear. Juicy, forward fruit coupled with plenty of balancing acid make this Provencal white clean and polished. It will excel as a fine everyday sipper, or will pair very appropriately with a variety of Mediterranean-based entrees.
2004 Cotes du Lubéron Rouge Château La Canorgue (Biodynamic) ($13.99) A blend of 30% grenache and 70% syrah, this unfiltered beauty sings of Provence. The nose is full of pepper, anise, leather and dark berries with just a hint of the wild herbs (thyme, rosemary and savory) that grow abundantly around the vineyards. Try this Provencal red with pastas, grilled lamb, hearty stews and just about anything else that screams for a big, bold red wine that has plenty of finesse.
—Mulan Chan