The Society's Southern French Favourites

The visionary Pierre Besinet who created this estate 40 years ago, and installed drip irrigation from the start. Lack of water has become a major problem in parts of the Languedoc, but not here! This is a refreshing sauvignon-dominated white with both charm and ease of drinking. The intriguing blend is 40% sauvignon blanc, 20% chardonnay, 15% colombard, 15% viognier, 9% roussanne, and 1% muscat.

A dry, well-rounded pink from the Languedoc, made principally from syrah with a touch of petit verdot. The two varieties work very well together with petit verdot giving the wine its structure. Appetising and refreshing. This is a wine that will sweep you away to the French Riviera, and while we'd all love to enjoy the journey on the sun-drenched sailing boat of the label, it's a great wine to enjoy anywhere, anytime.

Can you still find good under-£10 pinot noir that reflects the character of the prized but famously finickety variety that some call ‘the heartbreak grape`? This cherry-scented southern French favourite proved you can and it was duly voted a Wine Champion for 2024. A ‘sweetly fruited, delicate and very honest` expression, and a marvel for the money.

A fine and refreshing white from the rolling hills of Gascony. This is made from a blend of grape varieties that includes chenin and gros manseng, with touches of tropical fruit and a flash of citrus.

Grenache is the main red variety in the Roussillon, the warmest province of France. Very versatile, grenache here makes a deliciously full and fruity red which can be served cool.

Dark and brimming with hedgerow fruit and a touch of spice, this is a full-bodied wine from the rugged landscape of the Corbières in the south of France. Carignan is the principal element in the blend, which also includes grenache and syrah. An excellent choice for a wide variety of foods.