Château des Tours Vacqueyras Rouge

Vacqueyras, France

Emmanuel Reynaud's (Château Rayas) Vacqueyras — the Rayas philosophy applied to a more accessible terroir. Pale ruby Grenache of extraordinary elegance and transparency: wild cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, mineral, and a haunting lightness that recalls great Burgundy more than the southern Rhône. One of the world's great value wines.

Pairing intelligence

• main: The Reynaud philosophy's transparency and elegance makes this wine the ideal partner for Guinea fowl's delicate game; cherry tomatoes mirror the wine's bright fruit; herbs bridge the garrigue
• starter: Pale Grenache's cherry and transparency complements rather than overwhelms foie gras; cherry compote finds direct resonance in the wine's fruit; the wine's acidity cuts through the fat