The 2019 Grange des Pères red is an absolute standout for me on our by-the-glass list. Made in tiny quantities from a mix of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Counoise grown in the rugged limestone soils of Languedoc, this wine delivers a compelling blend of ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and wild herb flavors layered with savory hints of minerals and cured meat. It’s powerful, yet the structure and tannins are beautifully balanced, allowing each sip to feel concentrated but not overbearing. The cult reputation is well-earned, and I love pouring it because guests get a taste of something rare, focused, and totally individual - a perfect match for anyone looking to explore the depth and complexity that southern France can offer.

Whenever Clos Rougeard’s Saumur-Champigny ‘Le Clos’ is on by the glass, it feels like an occasion. This is Cabernet Franc at its most polished and expressive—layers of wild berries, earthy undertones, and a savory, mineral core. The wine’s balance and tannin finesse make it compelling with richer dishes, but it’s also just as rewarding on its own, offering something truly special for those looking to explore classic Loire reds.

Pouring 2010 Château Rayas by the glass at CIRCL is a true highlight for me. This vintage brings together powerful yet graceful aromatics—rose petals, kirsch, and spice—with an elegance that’s rare in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wine comes from old Grenache vines on pure sandy soils, which gives it a layered, silky texture and an incredibly long finish. What I love is how each glass shifts and evolves, offering notes of garrigue, tobacco, wild berries, and earthy minerals, all balanced by vibrant freshness. It’s a wine that stands out for its finesse and complexity, and sharing it by the glass means more guests get to experience the magic that makes Rayas so distinctive and memorable at CIRCL.