I MISSED out on making wine recommendations in time for Burns night, but I am English after all. Anyway, my kilted friends tell me the only suitable accompaniment for the "Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!" is a wee dram or six.

But really, the big meaty, spicy flavours of haggis are similar, in terms of the qualities needed in a wine, to cassoulet, which originated in the southwest of France. And the wines and foods of a region are nearly always complementary.

The fruity, garrigue-scented reds of the Languedoc are certainly the perfect foil for rich, spicy, meat dishes, such as cassoulet and haggis, but they are also a good match for game, such as rabbit or wild boar.

Most wines from the region are not too expensive either, and the quality, in general, has improved with better winemaking knowledge and modern techniques. Look out for the traditionally used grapes, syrah and grenache, both of which figure in this week's selection, both varietals are known for their spicy qualities.

On promotion at the Co-op until February 17 is Duo Mythique Syrah Grenache 2006 vin de pays d'Oc. This is good value slurping, even at full price, so make the most of the offer. It's full of violet scented, raspberry and blackberry fruit with spicy notes, and fine tannins that give structure.

Tesco stocks Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires 2004 Saint-Chinian, which is a full, modern, fruit driven blend of syrah, grenache and mourvèdre. It's unoaked, with generous tannins and bursting with raspberry, plum and blackberry flavours.

I'm happier with reds that have had contact with wood, such as L'Ostal Cazes Estibals 2004 Minervois, which has spent a year in French oak barrels. Rich and smooth, it has notes of the garrigue among the plums, cherries, vanilla and liquorice flavours. Another syrah grenache blend with the addition of carignan, it has a long finish.

  • Duo Mythique Syrah Grenache 2006 vin de pays d'Oc, £3.79 down from £4.99 at Co-op until February 17. 17/20
  • Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires 2004 Saint-Chinian, £6.99 at Tesco. 16/20
  • L'Ostal Cazes Estibals 2004 Minervois, £7.50 from the Halifax Wine Company (www.halifaxwinecompany.com). 18/20