Domaine de Piéblanc Côtes du Rhône Bourdon

Pairs with: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, blackened chicken tacos, juicy backyard cheeseburgers, or a rustic charcuterie board

Good for: Introducing friends to a rare, 100% Syrah from the Southern Rhône, or opening a juicy, character-filled red for a casual steak night

Grape: Syrah

I am from: Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, France (Sourced from a single plot in Violès, near Gigondas)

The Story: Founded by Matthieu Ponson in 2014, Domaine de Piéblanc is a brilliant gem in the Southern Rhône that has been fully certified organic since 2020. The "Bourdon" cuvée (which translates to "Bumblebee," fitting right into the estate's insect-themed series) comes from a single, cypress-lined vineyard parcel. While the Southern Rhône is famous for Grenache-heavy blends, Matthieu uses his young, high-altitude Syrah vines planted on deep pebble and gravel terraces to craft a uniquely fresh, single-varietal showcase.

Why You'll Love Me: It is incredibly bright, crunchy, and packed with pure, unadulterated fruit. Because it is aged entirely in stainless steel for six months, you won't find any heavy oak here. Instead, it explodes with dazzling, perfumed aromas of fresh violets, wild blueberry jam, and tart cassis. On the palate, it is beautifully smooth and elegant, balancing juicy dark raspberry flavors with a classic Syrah kick of white pepper, black olive, and subtle savory leather on a clean, lip-smacking finish.