La Manarine Cotes du Rhone Rouge

Classic Cotes-du-Rhone that emphasizes integrity of 100% Grenache fruit. It's bottled unfiltered after close to two years of "elevage" at the winery, to let the flavors come into full bloom and soften the tannins (which aren't heavy, in any case). Rich -- but not at all jammy -- raspberry notes gain complexity from perfectly interwoven hints of black pepper spice and garrigue herbs. Full-flavored enough for grilled foods, but it's medium weight makes it adaptable for lighter meats, richer fish and pastas.