Located in the deep South of France, the Cotes du Roussillon has yet to establish an identity with wine lovers despite being the source of many high-quality wines at reasonable prices. The respected Rhone producer M. Chapoutier saw the potential in this sun-drenched region and purchased the rights to about 150 acres of vineyards in 1993. Chapoutier began farming the largely old-vines plots biodynamically soon after establishing the outpost. Winemaker Gilles Troullier points to a recent “crescendo in quality,” which he attributes largely to biodynamic cultivation. Chapoutier’s 2008 Le Vignes de Bila-Haut is testament to this quality, having appeared in Wine Spectator’s list of the top 100 wines of 2009. The Spectator’s tasting note describes the Bila- Haut as “a muscular red, with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, plum, raspberry tart and grilled fig. The dense finish of dark chocolate is firm and focused, with smoky notes.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Suggested food pairings are roasted and grilled meats, beef stew, hearty, spicy bean soups or flavorful cheeses.