Minervois is without a doubt one of the truly great wine-producing regions of Languedoc, in south-central France. The climate is dry and influenced by both the Mediterranean to the south and the Atlantic to the west. The soils are rocky and austere--perfect for growing Syrah and Grenache as well as the more traditional Carignan and Cinsault. Red Minervois is generally blended from some combination of those grapes for an aromatic red wine with deep berry fruit, spice and mineral notes.

Chateau du Donjon's 13th-century stone keep belonged to the monks of the abbey of Caunes before it fell into private hands in the 15th century. The estate's vineyards spread into the countryside on the western edge of the Minervois appellation, where scrubby Mediterranean pines and rosemary give way to white oak trees and juniper bushes. The wines are made by husband-and-wife team Caroline and Jean Panis, who earn consistently good reviews for their outstanding Minervois and vin de pays bottlings.