WineSiders Wine of The Day

Today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day is from the Languedoc, a region that continues to prove it’s not just about power and sun-drenched extraction. It’s about finesse, terror, and winemakers who understand restraint. The 2022 Domaine d’Aupilhac “Lou Maset” is exactly that kind of wine: a Languedoc red that drinks with elegance, energy, and a sense of place that rivals far more expensive appellations to the north.

The Producer & Philosophy

Domaine d’Aupilhac, helmed by Sylvain Fadat, sits in the village of Montpeyroux at nearly 1,200 feet above sea level and high enough to preserve acidity and freshness in the Mediterranean heat. Three generations of Fadats have farmed this eighteen-hectare lieu-dit, and Sylvain has taken the estate to new heights with organic viticulture (certified FR-BIO-01) and a minimalist cellar philosophy. In his own words: “We believe that work in the vineyards has far more influence on a wine’s quality than what we do in the cellar.” The soils here are rich in prehistoric oyster fossils, lending incredible length and minerality to the wines, a signature you’ll taste in every sip of Lou Maset.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep ruby with violet highlights that’s youthful, vibrant, and gleaming in the glass.

Nose

The bouquet is immediately compelling: wild strawberry, crushed raspberries, and dark cherry layered with garrigue herbs of thyme, rosemary, and a whisper of lavender. There’s a subtle earthiness, not heavy or rustic, but more like sun-warmed stone and dried Mediterranean scrub. A hint of black pepper and wild fennel adds complexity without overwhelming the bright fruit core.

Palate

Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers on the nose’s promise with juicy red and black fruit, with cherries, raspberries, and blackberries that are complemented by savory herbal notes and a distinct mineral backbone from those fossil-rich limestone soils. The tannins are supple and polished, with just enough grip to frame the wine without dominating. Acidity is bright and refreshing, giving the wine energy and lift. There’s a beautiful balance here: ripe fruit meets structure, warmth meets freshness, and power meets elegance.

Finish

Long and revitalizing, with lingering notes of red fruit, dried herbs, and a stony minerality that keeps you coming back for another sip. The finish is clean, focused, and quietly persistent—a hallmark of wines made with intention and respect for terroir.

Food Pairing

This is an incredibly versatile wine at the table. Pair it with grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, ratatouille, or sausage and lentil stew for classic Languedoc comfort. It’s equally at home with wood-fired pizza with mushrooms and arugula, roasted chicken with root vegetables, or even a charcuterie board featuring pâté, salami, and aged Comté. The wine’s bright acidity and savory character make it a natural partner for Mediterranean and rustic French cuisine.

Rating

93/100 Winesiders Points

The Verdict

The 2022 Domaine d’Aupilhac “Lou Maset” is Languedoc at its best. It’s honest, expressive, and utterly delicious. Sylvain Fadat’s commitment to organic farming and hands-off winemaking shines through in every glass, delivering a wine that’s both approachable and complex, generous yet refined. This is a big over-performer that drinks far above its price point, offering a masterclass in how Mediterranean reds can balance ripeness with elegance. A wine that proves the Languedoc is no longer just about value—it’s about authenticity and terroir-driven excellence. The 2022 Domaine d’Aupilhac “Lou Maset” is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

Wine Details

Vintage: 2022
Producer: Domaine d'Aupilhac
Wine Name: Lou Maset
Region/Appellation: Languedoc AOP
Country: France
Grape Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan
Alcohol: 13-14% (typical for cuvée)
Certification: Organic (FR-BIO-01)
Bottling: Estate Bottled (Mis en Bouteille au Domaine)
Rating: 93/100 Winesiders Points

Today’ WineSiders Wine of The Day is from the Côte de Nuits-Villages, an appellation that often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors—Nuits-Saint-Georges, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny—but every so often, a bottle like this Gachot-Monot reminds you why Burgundy’s “edges” matter.

This is Burgundy stripped of pretension and focused on purity. Damien Gachot crafts this wine in Corgoloin, a village that sits at the seam between the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune—a crossroads that yields wines with the finesse of the north and the suppleness of the south.

The 2022 vintage shows what a warm but balanced growing year can deliver. In the glass, it’s translucent ruby, aromatic with wild strawberry, red currant, and rose petals laced with a whisper of forest floor and fine spice—clove, a hint of white pepper. On the palate, the texture is lithe and precise, the fruit fresh and red-toned rather than ripe or jammy. The tannins are silk-thread fine—more tactile than grippy—while the acidity cuts through with just the right amount of verve to make every sip food-friendly.

There’s an honesty to this wine—a sense of place unmasked by oak or showmanship. Gachot-Monot’s style avoids excess extraction or new wood polish, leaning instead into the authenticity of the Côte de Nuits-Villages terroir. You taste limestone, ripe cherry skins, and the faintest touch of savory minerality that keeps the finish alive.

Give it a gentle chill and pair it with roast duck breast, seared tuna, or even a mushroom risotto. This isn’t a collector’s Burgundy—it’s a drinker’s Burgundy: vibrant, immediate, and charmingly sincere.

Tasting Snapshot:

Color: Clear ruby with youthful brilliance Aromas: Wild strawberry, rose, spice, and light underbrush Palate: Elegant red fruit, lifted acidity, fine tannins, subtle minerality Finish: Long, pure, and whispering of limestone and red cherries Style: Classic Côte de Nuits-Villages—refined yet approachable

WineSiders Rating: 92/100

Verdict: Honest Burgundy done right. A perfect introduction to the Côte de Nuits-Villages and a reminder that authenticity often beats aristocracy in the glass.

The Gachot-Monot’s 2022 “Les Monts de Boncourt” is a lively, terroir-driven Burgundy that balances red fruit purity with savory minerality. Elegant, transparent, and honest, it’s a drinker’s Burgundy—vibrant, precise, and true to its place. A perfect pairing for duck, tuna, or earthy risotto. It’s a Burgundy without pretense, perfectly executed, which is why the Gachot-Monot’s 2022 “Les Monts de Boncourt” is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

Montcalmès is the quiet revolutionary of the Languedoc — a producer that never shouts, only delivers. The 2021 Grenache, bottled as Vin de France because the AOC rules can’t keep up with its ambition, is proof that pedigree doesn’t require permission.

In the glass, it’s translucent ruby, more akin to a fine southern Rhône or even a restrained Priorat than the dark, muscular wines often associated with the south. The nose is pure Grenache: lifted red fruits — strawberry coulis, raspberry leaf, and cherry pit — laced with wild herbs, crushed rock, and a subtle trace of white pepper. There’s none of the confected warmth you might expect from the Languedoc; instead, this wine walks a tightrope of freshness and finesse.

On the palate, the texture is silken yet structured, with a whisper of tannin framing red plum, blood orange, and garrigue notes that evoke the stony terraces above Puéchabon. The 2021 vintage shows a cooler edge, giving the wine tension and precision rather than power. Its 14% alcohol is impeccably balanced by mineral lift and a savory finish that lingers long after the glass is empty.

This isn’t just a great Grenache; it’s a statement about the future of southern French wine with elegance over excess, transparency over extraction. Montcalmès has quietly joined the ranks of producers redefining what the Languedoc can be.

Pair it with: roast duck with cherries, lamb shoulder with thyme, or a truffled mushroom tart.

Serve: slightly cool, around 15–16°C, in a Burgundy glass to appreciate its aromatic depth.

Aging potential: 5–8 years, though its balance makes it seductive now.

WineSiders Score: 94/100

The Domaine de Montcalmès’ 2021 Grenache is a masterclass in restraint with elegance, aromatic seduction and stony Red fruit, herbs, and mineral tension that replace the usual Languedoc warmth, creating a wine that bridges Rhône grace and Mediterranean character. A quietly profound expression of modern southern France: unclassified, uncompromising, unforgettable as a wine should be which is why the 2021 Domaine de Montcalmès Grenache is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

Today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day is the Beaujolais you don’t expect. Forget the bubblegum reds, this Beaujolais Blanc from Clément & David Large is Chardonnay with a point of view. “Dos Argenté” (“Silver Back”) reflects a confident maturity rarely found in the region’s whites. It’s lean but not mean. Mineral-driven, lightly creamy, and unapologetically Burgundian in posture without pretending to be Puligny.

In the glass, it gleams pale gold, hinting at the tension to come. Aromas open with lemon zest, crushed stone, and white peach, followed by a whisper of hazelnut and fresh cream from subtle lees aging. On the palate, the attack is brisk, all citrus and orchard fruit wrapped in saline minerality. As it warms, layers unfold: a flicker of pear skin, chalk, and faint brioche. The finish is taut, polished, and quietly persistent — like a good conversation that ends mid-sentence, leaving you wanting one more pour.

This is Beaujolais Blanc at its modern best: terroir-transparent, honest, and textural. The Larges are pushing boundaries here, showing that Beaujolais isn’t just about Gamay’s charm but about Chardonnay’s precision when handled by serious hands.

Pair it with: seared scallops, roasted Bresse chicken, or a simple Comté tartine, anything that appreciates balance over bombast.

Serve: 10–12°C, in a Burgundy glass.

Aging potential: 3–5 years, but drinking beautifully now.

WineSiders Score: 92/100

The 2024 “Dos Argenté” by Clément & David Large is a taut, mineral-driven Beaujolais Blanc that channels Burgundy’s elegance without imitation. Crisp lemon, peach, and chalky depth define this modern Chardonnay from Montmelas, proving Beaujolais whites deserve serious attention. Fresh, balanced, and compelling, this is a quietly confident standout from an overlooked terroir, which is why it’s today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

At WineSiders.co, we like wines that speak with quiet confidence rather than shout with swagger. Brigitte Chevalier’s À la Venvole “Ébène” 2023 from Faugères does just that — it’s a whisper that commands attention, which is why it is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

In the glass, the wine unfurls like a silk scarf showing a deep garnet with violet edges, a prelude to its understated elegance. The nose begins with black cherry and crushed blackberry, then veers toward graphite, wild thyme, and the faint smokiness of schist, a Faugères signature. There’s restraint here, the mark of someone who understands that power without precision is just noise.

On the palate, “Ébène” feels linear yet layered, cool, mineral-driven fruit wrapped in fine tannins that glide rather than grip. It’s Grenache-led but guided by Syrah’s darker sensibility, giving it both lift and depth. The finish lingers on a savory echo with black olive, cracked pepper, and something almost saline reminding you this wine was born of stone and sun, not cellar theatrics.

Brigitte Chevalier continues to make wines that redefine what finesse means in the Languedoc. “Ébène” is proof that Faugères, in the right hands, can rival the nuance of Northern Rhône and the texture of top-tier Roussillon, but with its own southern soul intact.

Drink now through 2030. Best with roast lamb, grilled duck breast, or a simple daube Provençale that lets the terroir do the talking.

WineSiders Score: 94

Having visited and tasted with Brigitte Chevalier in years past, her À la Venvole “Ébène” 2023 from Faugères is a masterclass in restraint as it is a sleek, mineral red balancing Grenache’s lift with Syrah’s depth. Elegant, structured, and soulful, it embodies southern France’s new voice: precise, pure, and quietly confident. A wine of texture, tension, and truth. That’s why it’s today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day!!

The Story

On one of my first visits to Provence I went on a “Rose” tour. This was back in the mid 90s and one of the wineries I visited was Château La Tour de l’Évêque. It’s tucked into the sun-soaked hills of Pierrefeu in the Var, and back then as today, its is no stranger to Provençal prestige.

Long before organic and biodynamic became trendy, this estate, under the stewardship of Régine Sumeire, the winery was quietly proving that Côtes de Provence could deliver purity, depth, and real soul. But this is not about Rose. It’s about white wine, which is currently the rage in France.

Fast forward to today, and, their 2024 white blend, the Château La Tour de l’Évêque Blanc continues that trajectory with elegance and restraint, showcasing why this estate’s whites deserve more attention than their rosé counterparts.

In the Glass

Pale gold with a hint of green reflection, the wine is bright, clear, and alive. The nose unfolds gently: honeysuckle, white peach, and lemon zest balanced by a subtle mineral edge that whispers limestone and sea breeze. No oak shouting here—just clean fruit, texture, and tension.

On the palate, it’s refined and confident. Think ripe pear, mandarin, and a touch of fennel. The mid-palate has that silky Provençal weight, but the finish pulls tight with salinity and a hint of bitter almond. You can almost taste the Mediterranean herbs swaying in the wind.

The Feel

This is Provence for adults, no poolside rosé clichés. It’s about quiet sophistication, perfect balance, and terroir speaking without makeup. Chill it slightly less than usual (around 10–11°C) to let its subtle texture show and it pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, ratatouille, or even roast chicken with lemon and thyme.

Why It Matters

Provence whites are criminally underrated, and this bottle makes the case for reappraisal. It’s biodynamic, hand-harvested, and shows that sustainability and style aren’t mutually exclusive. The 2024 vintage, already impressive, promises more integration over the next 12–18 months.

WineSiders Verdict

⭐️ 93 Points – A Quiet Revelation
Elegant, expressive, and utterly Provençal. Château La Tour de l’Évêque Blanc 2024 reminds us that authenticity isn’t loud—it’s confident in its balance and purity.

Drink: 2024–2027
Serve at: 10–11°C
Price Range: $22–28 retail (if you can find it)

The 2024 Château La Tour de l’Évêque Blanc is a poised, biodynamic Côtes de Provence white that balances fruit, minerality, and quiet power. With notes of pear, citrus, and herbs, it’s a grown-up expression of Provence, full of graceful, saline, and serious. It’s a refreshing reminder that not all Provençal brilliance comes in pink, which is why it’s today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

Today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day is the 2023 Maison Bruyere & David Syrah.

🧭 The Short Pour

A modern Rhône whisperer in Vin de France clothing, this Syrah 2023 from Maison Bruyère & David drinks far above its classification. Bright, spicy, and astonishingly poised at just 12% ABV, it’s the antidote to over-extracted Syrah. Think energy, lift, and focus—pure red fruit and cracked-pepper precision.

🍇 The Story

In the hills near Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph, Justin Bruyère and Sylvain David are quietly rewriting what “Vin de France” means. Their mission is simple but radical: craft Rhône-quality wines untethered from appellation rules, where vineyard honesty trumps bureaucratic geography. The result? Wines that hum with restraint and clarity.

This 2023 Syrah was hand-harvested, 100% destemmed, and fermented with minimal intervention. Aging split between seasoned barrels and stainless steel brings roundness without oak heaviness.

👃 On the Nose

Immediate red-fruit lift—raspberry, red currant, and cherry—followed by Syrah’s signature black pepper, olive tapenade, and a whisper of violet. It’s clean, focused, and floral rather than brooding.

👄 On the Palate

Light on its feet yet texturally confident. Fresh acidity leads, wrapping around supple tannins. A core of juicy red fruit gives way to savory spice, graphite, and a touch of smoked herb. The finish is long, dry, and quietly elegant—never showy, always balanced.

🍽️ Pair It With

Duck breast with cherry glaze Charcoal-grilled lamb chops Lentil and roasted beet salad with feta and thyme Or just a wedge of Comté after a long day

Serve slightly chilled (15–16 °C) to sharpen the fruit and let the spice sing.

💬 WineSiders’ Take

This is the kind of Syrah that reminds you France still does understatement better than anyone. No oak bomb, no extraction theater—just pure intent. At 12% ABV, it’s what Syrah looks like when it takes the elevator to elegance instead of the gym.

Maison Bruyère & David are names to watch. Their 2023 Syrah proves that precision, freshness, and pleasure aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re the new Rhône reality.

🏅 WineSiders Score: 93/100

⭐ Value: Exceptional under €20

⭐ Drink: Now – 2027

⭐ Style: Elegant • Fresh • Spicy

✍️ Summary

The 2023 Maison Bruyère & David’s Syrah delivers red-fruit purity, black-pepper charm, and Rhône-grade finesse at a Vin de France price. Elegant, restrained, and food-friendly, it’s a masterclass in balance—proof that modern Syrah can be both sophisticated and soulful. That’s why the 2023 Maison Bruyère & David’s Syrah 2023 is a clear choice as the WineSiders Wine of the Day for its integrity and drinkability.

Vin de France | 12% ABV | 100% Syrah | La Chapelle Villars, France

Today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day is the 2021 Degarra Bonterra from Zadar in Croatia. The Bonterra blends dark fruit, herbs, and coastal minerality into a seamless, structured red. Polished yet grounded, it’s proof that Zadar can produce wines of real sophistication. Decant it, serve with lamb or tuna, and taste the Adriatic’s quiet authority. 93 points — understated brilliance.

Overview

From the coastal hills near Zadar, Degarra Bonterra 2021 is a Croatian red that feels like it’s been bottled with intention, not vanity. Produced by Creatura Vina d.o.o., this 14% ABV wine lands somewhere between rustic authenticity and modern polish — the kind of bottle that reminds you Croatia is no longer the “up-and-coming” region everyone keeps calling it. It’s already arrived.

Nose (Aroma)

There’s an initial burst of black cherry, plum, and wild Mediterranean herbs — think rosemary and sage after a rain. A trace of graphite and tobacco leaf underpins the fruit, giving it a brooding depth. As it opens, subtle notes of dried fig and cocoa start to surface, hinting at restrained oak aging and careful extraction. The aroma says “Dalmatian coast” without shouting — elegant, confident, coastal.

Palate & Structure

On the palate, Bonterra strikes a strong balance between ripeness and restraint. The fruit remains ripe and dark — blackcurrant, mulberry, and macerated cherry — yet the structure keeps everything in check. Fine-grained tannins build quietly, not aggressively, allowing the acidity to lift the mid-palate. There’s tension here — a taut, mineral-laced energy that pushes the flavors forward before fading into a long, savory finish. The texture is sleek, almost graphite-smooth, with a faint touch of vanilla and cedar on the tail.

This is the kind of wine that proves Croatia’s reds can rival serious Mediterranean producers — not because it imitates them, but because it expresses its own rocky, sea-breeze terroir with conviction.

Food Pairing & Serving

Pair it with roasted lamb, grilled Adriatic tuna, or aged sheep cheese. Serve just below room temperature (16–17°C) and let it breathe for 20–30 minutes — the aromatics expand beautifully with oxygen.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

Harmonious blend of fruit, minerality, and structure Refined tannins and beautifully integrated alcohol Distinct sense of place — unmistakably coastal Dalmatia

Weaknesses:

Needs air to fully reveal itself Slightly tight on first pour Lacks the explosive aromatics that seduce casual drinkers

Drink Window & Value

Drink now through 2030. At a reasonable price point (typically under €25 locally), it’s an absolute steal. Age it another three years and you’ll be rewarded with a softer, more complex wine that still carries its mineral backbone.

Score Estimate

93 / 100 — A confident, terroir-driven Croatian red that commands attention without trying too hard which is why the 2021 Degarra Bonterra is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day is the

Today ‘s Winesiders Wine of The Day is the Punta Greca 2021 is a taut, mineral-inflected red with dark fruit, savory herbs, and firm structure. It doesn’t beg for attention early, but with air and age reveals real depth. Not for the impatient. Estimated 92 points over its prime drinking window: 2027–2030.

The Punta Greca 2021 arrives in a dark, almost opaque bottle. The label is minimalist — just the script “Punta Greca” and the vintage year — which gives it an air of focus and confidence. Visually, it suggests a wine that isn’t interested in gimmicks; it’s letting the wine speak for itself.

Nose (Aroma)

On the nose, you get dark fruits first: black cherry, plum, maybe even black currant. There’s also a whiff of wet stone or shale — that mineral streak suggests volcanic or rugged terroir influence. A subtle note of dried herbs (thyme, rosemary) hovers underneath, giving it a savory edge. The aromatics aren’t overpowering but they are precise, layered enough to promise interest over time.

Palate & Structure

This wine is medium to full in body. The fruit side is dark and juicy — ripe plum, black cherry with hints of bramble. But it’s balanced by a strong backbone of acidity: the citrus lift (lemon peel, green apple) keeps it from going too jammy. Tannins are firm but polished, not aggressive; they provide structure without choking off the wine. Towards the finish, there’s a subtle stony minerality and a faint whisper of spicy pepper or clove on the tail. The alcohol is noticeable, probably somewhere north of 14%, but it’s integrated well enough not to feel hot.

Food Pairing & Serving

This is not a lightweight wine. It calls for robust dishes: grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses like pecorino or manchego. Serve it at around 16–18 °C (60–64 °F). Let it breathe for 30 minutes or use a decanter if you’re not patient — it opens further with air.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

Excellent tension between dark fruit and acidity Built-in minerality gives it sense of place Let’s aromas and flavors unfold over time

Weaknesses:

Not immediately charming — early on it might feel a bit tight or reserved Alcohol shows its presence — if your palate is sensitive, it may feel warm If you expect big, bombastic flavor from Day 1, you’ll likely be disappointed

Drink Window & Value

Now through 2030 is the sweet spot. In early years it will feel controlled and slightly reticent; by 2027+, it should hit its stride, softening out while retaining structure. If your purchase cost is in the mid-to-upper range for its class, this is a fair bet — you’re paying for a wine that earns its complexity.

Score Estimate

92 / 100 — strong, not flawless. It’s not the kind of wine to blow you away immediately, but it rewards patience and respect.

With all that said, it’s easy to see why the 2021 Punta Greca is today’s Winesiders Wine of The Day.

This 2024 Grk from Smokvica is a wine that doesn’t just show up. It arrives with quiet authority. Indigenous to the sun-drenched Croatian island of Korčula, Grk is a varietal with mystique in its DNA: it’s functionally female, requiring neighboring Plavac Mali vines to pollinate. And this bottle? It’s the best kind of riddle — coastal, textured, and dry with a whisper of sea spray and Dalmatian wild herbs.

It’s a rare gem from Korčula’s Smokvica region, this 2024 Grk is dry, crisp, and elegantly coastal. Notes of citrus, almond skin, and Adriatic minerality make it the perfect companion to seafood. A white wine for those who want something both ancient and avant-garde.

On the nose: saline minerality, lemon zest, and fresh-cut pear. On the palate: a firm backbone of acidity wrapped around flavors of white peach, almond skin, and a trace of briny olive leaf. Bone-dry but not austere, it finishes long and clean, with the kind of citrus-bitterness that makes you crave another sip — or a plate of crudo.

This is wine that speaks of place. You can practically feel the limestone terraces and the scent of pine. If Grk had a personality, it’d be your effortlessly cool, slightly aloof friend who wears linen in the fall and never breaks a sweat.

Best served cold, with seafood, grilled zucchini, or just the sound of waves crashing nearby, which is why the 2024 Grk from Smokvica is today’s WineSiders Wine of The Day.

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Drink If You Like: Vermentino, Assyrtiko, or mineral-driven Chablis
Pair With: Oysters, octopus salad, or anchovy toast
Mood: Sun going down in Stari Grad, salt on your lips, someone softly playing the mandolin
Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026 for peak brightness

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Score: 92 Winesiders Points
Verdict: Grk’s moment is arriving — and this bottle proves why.

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💡 Side Note:
Grk is one of Croatia’s rarest varietals and is only grown on a few hectares in the Lumbarda and Smokvica regions. If you see a well-made one like this, don’t hesitate. It’s like discovering a secret beach before it hits the travel blogs.

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