Tim Sykes' Southern French Favourites Case

The change of name reflects a change in ownership, though still in the style established by Jean-Michel Alquier at this notable southern French estate. Maison Jaune is grenache-dominated with some syrah, aged in used barrels for a year. Enjoy its dark, stony, gravelly fruit but this will benefit from keeping a little longer, such was the strength of the vintage.

Isabelle Coustal's premium Minervois combines southern warmth with almost Bordelaise poise in this rich, almost luscious, red of charm and sophistication. There is oak but it is finely judged and only adds to the complexity and polish.

Fresh, full-flavoured, fruity white from a top estate in Corsica. Made from about 95% vermentino grape with a little bianco gentile, this is round and full with a refreshing twist of citrus.

Full-bodied, ripe, plummy, figgy and rich-tasting Languedoc-Roussillon wine. Drunk at the estate, it sorts out the hairiest of wild boar stews. Otherwise perfect with a beef stew or a chilli con carne.

Unique among white wines from the south is that La Clape has to be made using a high percentage of bourboulenc, an ancient variety of supposedly Greek origin. It thrives in the near desert-like conditions while retaining freshness. Aged for a short time in oak for added complexity.

Deeply coloured fruity red from a top estate in the Corbières. Farming is on organic lines and the wines are expressive and richly flavoured. The estate's 135 hectares of vineyards are surrounded by a further 500 hectares of garrigue that provides a rich ecosystem.