Wine of the Week: Chateau l'Ermitage Costieres de Nimes 2014

Southern France has been a font of wine values for eons now. One of the best is the Château l'Ermitage Costieres de Nimes 2014 ($11), a hearty red that deftly straddles the Old and New Worlds in style. It's fruity but earthy, with firm but friendly tannins and a finish that alternates between lush and dusty. There's some major league red fruit and spice on the nose. (Same goes for the winery's similarly priced white blend.) Château l'Ermitage was founded in the 12th century by the hermits of Sainte Cécile d'Estagel Abbey. Break out the burgers and brats (or other sausages), and this is a marvelous match for pizza with any and all manner of toppings.