An enticing Syrah, not from the Rhône but further south in the Languedoc. Full of juicy red fruit flavour, it comes from an estate that’s been farmed in a traditional way for hundreds of years. It’s been vinified in a traditional way too, respecting the character that comes from the local terroir – including 3, 000 hectares of protected biodiverse forest. This may be the south of France, but the deep valley location of the Guibert family’s vineyards draws cool air down from the mountains, creating a broad daily temperature swing that allows for a host of grape varieties to thrive. ...

A superlative blend of Syrah & Cabernet results in this attractively rich wine. Showing lashings of blackberry & blackcurrant fruit flavours & pepper on both nose & palate, this wine, whilst rich & full, shows soft, gentle tannins, making it surprisingly easy drinking. ...

Mas De Lunès is the largest vineyard of the Vignobles Jeanjean. The terrior here is a unique mixed of rounded pebbles & shingles left when the sea receded six million years ago & the natural garrigue of southern France. This intense red wine has complex aromas of red berry & spice. Well balanced with silky tannins, powerful berry fruit flavours & a long minty finish. This will be ideal with cassoulet or confit duck. ...

This single varietal Pinot Blanc comes from Jean-Claude Mass experimental plantings; the 2010 vintage is the very first release from the Zucco Vineyard. Drier & more focused than some Pinot Blancs you may have tried previously, this wine offers a blend of citrus & tropical stone fruit aromatics, supported by crisp acidity & minerality on the palate. Drink with delicate poached white fish such as monkfish or bream, or with scallops & other seafood. ...

This wine represents the signature red blend of the Côteaux du Languedoc, & comes from mature vines grown in vineyards around the town of Pézenas, a historic town synonymous with playwright Molière, many of whose plays were inspired by his time in the region. A generous & fruit-driven wine, offering an inviting nose of ripe blackcurrants tinged with wild scrubland herbs & black olive. Medium-weight tannins mingle with lush berry & liquorice notes. Drink with hearty rustic fare such as steak & kidney pie, pan-fried liver or sausage casserole. ...

This estate is owned by Nicolas & Miren Lorgeril, renowned Languedoc vignerons, & direct descendants of Cabardès' Pennautier family. This region has terraced slopes of schist, limestone & granite, & is hence an exceptional terroir, sought after by many winemakers. Vivid crimson in colour, with a nose dominated by the Grenache's jammy raspberry aromas. On the palate, the Syrah & Carignan add some spice & tannin, resulting in a well structured & racy wine. Serve with some lamb chops, well seasoned & sprinkled with thyme. ...

Mas des Montagnes is literally a 'mountain estate', comprising a group of higher-altitude Roussillon vineyards acquired by the Lorgeril family of Château de Pennautier, in the neighbouring Languedoc. Patrick Léon, formerly of Domaines Rothschild, is consultant winemaker. A notably mineral-tinged wine, reminiscent of its origins on stony schist hillsides, & possessing great texture & length. The citrus fruit backbone is joined by subtle hints of fennel & wild herbs. The winery recommends pairing with any grilled fish, or baked sea bream with a salt crust. ...

This Vacqueyras is made from a blend of 50% Grenache & 50% Syrah. These varieties are blended together to make a balanced, rich & complex wine with intense flavours of spices & blackcurrant. It is long on the palate, with hints of black fruit & liquorice. Drink alongside meat dishes such as roast lamb, steak or cheese & for vegetarians; rich tomato based dishes. ...

The Muscat grapes are picked when slightly over ripe producing a wine of perfect balance & rich flavours. Ageing in new & old oak plus time on lees creates additional complexity. This is a remarkable wine with rich fruit flavours of lychee, sultana & jasmine. The finish is smooth with a touch of vanilla. Try this with blue cheese or event a fruit tart. ...

The Languedoc is home to a mass of different grape varieties, so it's no wonder the area has the most wine appellations of any region in France. For a long time, this vast landscape was classed as ‘up & coming’. But thanks to pioneering wineries like Mas Olivier, we can say it’s well & truly arrived. Like many great wine stories, Mas Olivier began with a handful of passionate winegrowers. During the 1950s in the village of Faugères, a small group of them created a winery, with the aim to make distinctive wines – from what they knew was unique local terroir. Their dedication made them instrumental in getting the Faugères appellation created in 1982. Today, over 50% of the region’s wines are made by Mas Olivier. This classic Syrah– Grenache blend shows why they’re the first name in town. You’ll find it complex yet elegant, with notes of red & black fruits, plus hints of vanilla, cocoa & peppery spice. Its silky texture & generous flavour make it a fantastic match for steak. ...