Domaine Val de Caire was established in 2003 when Guillaume Reynier took over a vineyard in his native Rognes in Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence. After studying viticulture and oenology at Montpellier in the late 1980's, Guillaume spent the next decade honing his craft and growing his passion, working at multiple estates in both the vineyard and cellar. Today, Guillaume organically farms 17 hectares of vineyards — in Rognes and Lambesc — grown on clay, limestone and sandy soils. Domaine Val de Caire produces a variety of wines aged in stainless steel, used barrels and terracotta/sandstone amphora (Whites from Rolle, Grenache blanc, Ugni blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon and Aranel. Reds from Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Counoise, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Caladoc, Marselan and Merlot.

Val de Caire's rouge is a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This beautiful red pours a deep, dark ruby in the glass displaying aromas of red and black berry fruits tinged with notes of anise and dried rosemary. The palate is powerful, but balanced, offering flavors of black raspberry, cherry and cassis that are enveloped by silky tannins and a rounded acidity. The licorice-laced finish is long with a return of those dark fruits. A wonderful companion to charcuterie, but equally delicious with anything from the grill.