JL Denois’ domaine is just a short way south of the city of Carcassonne. His main claim to fame is his sparkling Cremant de Limoux. He was among the first to grow Pinot Noir for Languedoc’s signature sparkling wine, and he has approached this deceptively simple Vin de France with the same iconoclastic nature. This area is pure Languedoc: roundabouts on all the main roads are adorned with the signature garrigue plants rosemary and lavender. However, the Pays Atlantique are not far away, and the organically farmed vineyards for this wine feature Merlot (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Cabernet Franc (10%). The aroma is as complex as the label, with notes of plum, cinnamon, garrigue, wild picked Maine blueberry, and tobacco leaf. The palate is filled with fleshy black fruits, pepper and forest floor and savory herbs. Full bodied and gently wrapped in tannins, this is an eminently quaffable wine for burgers, pizzas, and barbecues.