Wine
Grenache season rolls on (thank you, Mother Nature, for giving us an autumn that almost makes up for last winter), and some of the best values emanate from southern France. The 2012 Lafage Tessellae "Old Vines" Côtes du Roussillon ($15) is actually only half grenache (plus 40 percent syrah and 10 percent mourvèdre), but regardless, it's a mouthful of expressive, focused juice. This is a wine for those who seek minerally texture that softens and glides deftly into a hearty finish. This red blend pairs with all manner of meats and fowl, as well as robust pasta sauces and pizza.
Available at Liquor Barn, Scandia muni, Vinifera, Tonka Bottle Shop, Winestreet Sprits, Excelsior Vintage, the Wine Market, Hennepin Lake and more.
BILL WARD
