EVER get tired of the same old, same old when it comes to grape varieties? No, neither do I but nor am I opposed to trying something different if it stumbles my way.

So my tastebuds pricked up when a drop or two of Domaine de Viranel Arômes Sauvages 2013 fell into my tasting glass.

It’s from the Languedoc region of southern France, as a great many wines are, but what makes this example unusual is that it is made entirely from the Alicante Bouschet grape.

I can’t remember ever having tasted a 100 per cent Alicante Bouschet before, which isn’t surprising as it is quite a rare commodity.

Arômes sauvages literally translates as wild aromas, which is a good name for this wine.

Smooth and long with dark, forest-fruit flavours, garrigue herbs, coffee, dark chocolate and black pepper, it is pleasingly complex and characterful.

As the pictures of the wild boar and rabbit on the label suggest, it would match traditionally with game but it would work with meaty pasta dishes equally well, or even with the Sunday roast.

Staying with southern French reds, Bordière Nord Syrah Grenache 2014 is relatively inexpensive and very drinkable.

Extremely quaffable, and a smart choice for the barbecue season, it is fresh and fruity, with almost sweet raspberry flavours and contrasting peppery spices.

Or head to the Rhône and Jean-Luc Colombo Les Collines de Laure Syrah 2013.

This is a savoury and elegant red made entirely with fruit from young syrah vines.

It too has raspberry fruit to the fore, with distinct floral notes, a lick of vanilla and a taut acidity that would slice through a juicy steak.

Domaine de Viranel Arômes Sauvages 2013, £11.95 from gerrardseel.co.uk 18/20

Bordière Nord Syrah Grenache 2014, £6.99 from majestic 17/20

Jean-Luc Colombo Les Collines de Laure Syrah 2013, £9.74 from thedrinkshop.com 18/20

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