2007 Nicole Chanrion Domaine de la Voûte des Crozes

Beaujolais -- the real stuff, not Beaujolais Nouveau, which is an entirely different animal -- makes perfect warm-weather drinking. And this Cote de Brouilly from Nicole Chanrion’s Domaine de la Voûte des Crozes is a fabulous summer wine. Old-fashioned Gamay Noir with a distinct earthy quality and beautiful balance and texture. Tasting of blueberries one moment, cherries the next, it is pure pleasure to drink. Put it in a Burgundy glass and it takes on the weightier character of a serious wine.

Serve it slightly chilled with roasted or fried chicken, charcuterie, grilled sausages and other meats. It’s great with a salade niçoise or vegetable dish too.

-- S. Irene Virbila

Region: Beaujolais

Price: About $20

Style: Fruity and lush

What it goes with: Roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled sausages and meats

Where to find it: Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Silverlake Wine in Los Angeles, (323) 662-9024; Wine Country in Signal Hill, (562) 597-8303, and Wine Exchange in Orange (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76WINEX.