THOUGHT I would head to the south of France this week. I mean ‘head to’ figuratively, but I wouldn’t mind literally going there again some time. I have had happy times in the Languedoc Roussillon both holidaying and on wine press trips.

The wines of the area used to be considered rustic plonk, but there are some talented winemakers there these days, making great wines from gnarly old vines, from grape varieties that cope with the heat and sun. You have to fork out a little more for such wines of course but they are worth it.

I have chased hairy pigs in the Garrigue and then eaten them, washed down with the reds of the region, which are a superb match. I know you probably won’t be eating wild boar this week but those robust, spicy reds also go exceedingly well with stews and casseroles.

I like Calmel & Joseph Les Terroirs Saint Chinian 2011, a syrah-dominated blend with grenache and carignan, which is more elegant than you might expect. It is structured and well balanced, with blackberry and raspberry fruit flavours and contrasting peppery spices, anise and mineral notes.

If you are going to splash out £15 on a white wine, then Domaine Jones Blanc Grenache Gris, Côtes Catalanes, 2013, would be an excellent choice.

Made by Languedoc-Roussillon based but Leicestershire–born winemaker Katie Jones, the Grenache gris grapes used are from 80-year-old vines. Fresh, balanced and mineral, this wine is full of character, suggesting citrus and pineapple, with white flowers and a lick of honey. It will work really well with seafood dishes or as an aperitif.

And if someone serves up a dark chocolate mousse, pair it with a sweet red from the Maury appellation.

Château Saint Roch 2011 is a lovely example, available from online merchant Slurp. Made entirely with grenache, it is sweet, spicy, bold and intense: a very berry fruit bomb of a wine.

 

Calmel & Joseph Les Terroirs Saint Chinian 2011, £8.99 from mumblesfinewines.co.uk 18/20

Domaine Jones Blanc Grenache Gris, Côtes Catalanes, 2013, £14.95 from The Wine Society 19/20

Château Saint Roch 2011, Maury, (50cl) £12.74 from Slurp.co.uk 18/20