Chateau de Paraza, Minervois, 2009 

Languedoc, France

$11.99 / bottle

This time of year - right after the gluttony of the holiday season - we all tighten up our wallets and try to keep those New Year's resolutions as best as we can. But we still want a drink of wine every now and then - we just don't want to pay a lot for it.

That's why at Shubie's, we look to the south of France in January - you just can't beat it for great wines and great values.

Our featured wine, Chateau de Paraza Minervois, is a perfect example. Minervois is a small region in the southwest of France, where they blend Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre with some other local varietals. This one has lush texture with flavors of spicy, ripe, dark fruits. The herbal hints on the nose are just what you expect from this part of France. It pairs wonderfully with pastas, grilled meats, charcuterie and tapas, and is an all-around "food-friendly" wine that won't break the bank - just what you need in a January wine!