In the small commune of Laure in southern France, archeologists uncovered Villa Clarius. The remains of this ancient Roman winery tell of the region’s winemaking origins, going back 2,000 years, and inspired this fantastic red.

Hailing from Laure’s local co-op, Villa Clarius features the region’s flagship Carignan grown on hillside vineyards of Peyriac. The soils are filled with limestone, which helps the late-budding grape retain freshness throughout the growing season under the hot sun.

In the winery, head winemaker Sylvain Delabre (of Domaine de l’Oustal Blanc fame) utilizes the carbonic maceration method. It's a traditional approach often used in this region, and involves fermenting whole grape bunches before crushing. This gives the wine soft, well-integrated tannins to frame the juicy layers of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and cranberry flavor. One sip and you’ll see why judges at French competition 70 millions de dégustateurs awarded it a gold medal.

To really let this wine shine, pair it with Chicken Cassoulet, a southern French staple (when in Rome, do as the Romans do!) or other flavorful poultry dishes.

However you plan to enjoy it, order soon to secure your share.