Domaine Les Grands Bois
The 21 Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, are a step up from ordinary Côtes-du-Rhône, and make some of the finest, very affordable wines in France. Of these 21 villages, the top two are unquestionably Cairanne and Rasteau.
Marc and Mireille Besnardeau of Domaine Les Grands Bois are fourth generation small family growers who have been organic or “biologique” since 2011. They were introduced to us by the owner of the best bistro in the village of Cairanne, whose house wines they provide.
Their wines are quite simply delicious and I am never without them. The Rhône has had a fine run of very good vintages since 2010 and the 2018 is no exception.