Domaine Les Fouques, Cuvée de L’Aubigue Rouge

crispy fall air makes me crave heat; pepper and jam, something lighter bodied but with grip, and bolder tannins.  a word to the wise: do not underestimate biodynamic vineyards. they nail seasonal cravings, like this little vineyard in provence has done. lately i’ve been extremely curious about southern france (provence, languedoc-rousillon and south west regions). i was surprised to learn from this wine that in France, syrah is not limited to the Rhone Valley.  it turns out that understanding the soil, climate, a grape’s needs, the seasons, how to blend varietals… all really, really, help even the most jaded taster to overcome her fears.