Regional France

Stunning value, easy drinking party wine from our friends at Claude Val

A quarter of the blend of this wine has seen oak ageing, mainly in new French barrels which gives the wine a youthful, fresh toasty style and enhances the ripe blackcurrant fruit flavours

The rogue grape of France that is mostly found in blends however on its own it can create an esoteric wine. The folks at D.A harness coffee notes, caramel and black fruit with a medium body and refreshingly dry finish. An truly satisfying wine that's great with sausages.

A brilliant, affordable alternative to red burgundy, with supple tannins and a zingy acidity, but a good fruit foundation

This displays delicious white pepper spice, leather, violet and blackcurrant flavours and is much less bulky on the palate than some hot climate Aussie Shiraz wines can be. This will be great with barbequed meats when summer arrives, or game roasts with seasonal grilled vegetables.

This little beauty shows a good concentration of fruit flavours with rich damson and dark bramble fruit, and supple tannins that make this wine suitable for either enjoying by itself or along with a nice piece of juicy fillet steak.

A great, fruit driven syrah, with a touch of tannin and a fresh acidity which lifts the palate

The infamous wines of Madiran, made with the Tannat grape, can be tough, tannic and un-approachable. This, however, is firm but fair, with a dark fruit nose, and a well-concentrated cassis and bramble fruit palate, enhanced with leather, spice and black pepper.

Often overlooked, Bandol produces some fine wines, often with great longevity. This is made with 85% Mourvedre and some Grenache - two of my favourite grapes, so we're on the right track. Wild dark fruits and firm tannins - great with grilled red meats.

A mini Cote Rotie! This wonderful blend is from the Languedoc and is great value for money. It's rich, dense and delicious.