The allure of the Mediterranean is strong — it turns out, even the French aren’t immune to the pull!

The Coulon family has owned the esteemed Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Domaine de Beaurenard for eight generations. They’re organically- and biodynamically-certified not only in Châteauneuf, but also their projects in Rasteau and Côtes du Rhône.

Brothers Antonin and Victor Coulon saw a need for totally un-fussy, eminently delicious, and astonishingly affordable wines. Thus, Petit Renard was born. The “little fox” wines are made with Rhône varieties but with the South of France in mind — easy, breezy blends made with the same careful viticulture and winemaking techniques as the Coulon family’s most expensive Châteauneufs.

Everything is farmed biodynamically, coming from vineyards in AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, AOC Côtes-du-Rhône villages, and AOC Ventoux. In the winery, everything is treated as gently as possible to maximize freshness and pure fruit expression.

We’re offering two Petit Renard wines today, the red and the rosé. The rosé is 97% Grenache and 3% Syrah from limestone and clay soils; it would be hard not to blind this as a Côtes de Provence, with its melange of berry and citrus flavors, its cool minerality, and that touch of saline on the finish. Perfectly crisp on the finish, it opens with lovely aromas of orange blossom and strawberry compote.

The red is another classic Rhône blend (with a bit of a twist): 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 5% Viognier, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel. A little like a mashup between Châteauneuf and the Northern Rhône, this bottle is the perfect accompaniment to anything barbecued or grilled — Grenache brings bright and cheerful red fruit, Syrah brings something darker and smokier, and the touch of Viognier imparts freshness and punchy aromatics.

Famille Coulon, Le Petit Renard Rouge, 2023 $19.99

Famille Coulon, Le Petit Renard Rosé, 2024 $19.99