Gigondas & Vacqueyras

Mountain villages in the Dentelles de Montmirail producing wines that rival Châteauneuf at half the price. Gigondas is powerful and spicy; Vacqueyras is earthier and more approachable. Both are Grenache-dominant.

Insider tips

• Domaine du Cayron for traditional Gigondas

• Château des Tours for natural/biodynamic

• The Dentelles are gorgeous for hiking between tastings

• Beaumes-de-Venise makes excellent Muscat for dessert