2003 Domaine Olivier Pithon Cotes du Roussillon

Tasting of black cherries, blackberries and cassis, this lovely Cotes du Roussillon rouge from Domaine Olivier Pithon is a blend of Grenache and Carignan. The grapes are grown outside Perpignan in southeastern France, one of the sunniest regions in the country. Tannins are supple, alcohol in check: The result is a robust red perfect for summer grilling. This is a wine that can stand up to barbecue; it will show off that sirloin burger or grilled T-bone, but has enough finesse to play well with a roast leg of lamb.

*

Quick swirl

Region: LanguedocRoussillon

Price: About $19

Style: Power with finesse

Food it goes with: Barbecue, grilled meats, sirloin burger, roast leg

of lamb

Where you find it: Mission Wines in South Pasadena, (626) 403-9463; Red Carpet Wine Merchants in Glendale, (818) 247-5544; and the Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.

-- S. Irene Virbila