Pépite

In the Var backcountry, where they tend to favor conventional Bordeaux reds over living wines, Isabelle Ronfaut and Hubert Dutheil de la Rochère are shaking things up with their wine bar / shop that boasts a 300-strong collection of natural beauties. Displayed on the big wooden shelves made by a Colombian friend of theirs, the ex-advertising duo brilliantly tackle their new profession, showcasing their gems which range from local vintages (Antidote, a carignan from the Domaine Les Terres Promises at €37 a bottle) to bottles from elsewhere (Abrupts, an Auvergne gamay produced by Henri Chauvet at €47, or Sole, a Loire chenin made by Fred Niger at €22), in addition to a selection of Bordeaux wines so as not to upset the locals – Château Cantermerle, Château Durfort-Vivens… All of which can be popped open immediately for a €9 corkage fee in addition to the bottle price, unless you’d rather opt for a glass of wine, chosen from roughly a dozen options. And if your belly is rumbling, there are croque-monsieurs (€13), pesto-topped focaccia (same price) and cheese or charcuterie plates (€25), available at lunch and a few nights each week. // Meriadec Chouchen