2001 Chateau La Canorgue Cotes du Luberon rouge

The lovely 18th century Chateau La Canorgue is in the heart of the Luberon, the region of Provence celebrated in Peter Mayle’s books. But don’t let that put you off. This is an absolutely delicious young red. It carries the scents of the garrigue, the scrub that covers the hillsides in wild herbs and flowers. There’s a little plum in the taste and a hard brilliancy that’s reminiscent of Chianti. The fact that this Cotes du Luberon rouge is made from organically grown grapes is another plus. It’s a wine that loves food -- beef or lamb daubes simmered wine, lamb chops grilled over hardwood, roasted poultry.

S. Irene Virbila

*

Region: Provence

Price: $12

Style: Juicy and aromatic

Food it goes with: Beef or lamb daube, grilled lamb chops, pasta with meat ragu, roasted poultry.

Where you find it: Gibson & Cook in Malibu, (310) 457-9128;

Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese in Los Angeles, (323) 856-8699;

Vineyard Outlet in Camarillo, (805) 383-4500;

Wine Country in Long Beach (562) 597-8303.