Wine of the Week

From the renowned Gigondas producer Yves Gras, here acting as negociant, comes this delicious Cotes du Rhone “Les Vielles Vignes,” or “the old vines.” Predominantly Grenache, the tastes of plums, blackberries and cherries overlaid with a little smoke come tumbling out of the glass. A great basic at an attractive price, perfect for winter’s coq au vin or pork roast. Santa Duc Selections is ample proof that a great winemaker can make his hand felt even with purchased grapes or juice.

About $13. Available at Beverage Warehouse in Marina del Rey, (310) 306-2822; The Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; and Conejo Wine and Provision, Thousand Oaks, (805) 496-1324. If you can’t find this wine, have your local store contact the distributor, Diane Harder Wine Marketing, (310) 937-6777.