South of France Reds Case

Made from Cahors fruit and from one of the top estates, this is a soft, ripe-flavoured red with a twist of raspberry and plum. An uncomplicated red that could even be served slightly chilled. Malbec was once more widely planted having been a much more important varietal in Bordeaux. In Cahors, it is the main varietal, rarely less than 80% in any blend and often more. Malbec needs heat and sunshine to ripen fully and it thrives in the semi-continental climate of this part of the Lot valley.

Uncomplicated charm doesn`t get more charming than this. A popular southern French red and a Wine Champion in 2024, Laborie was given a makeover in 2023 to include some especially good, crunchy syrah fruit. Tasted blind among its peers, it was a resounding hit: ‘So much fruit, juicy and user friendly. Incredible value.`

A lusciously round, ripe and quite full-bodied merlot from the hot and dry 2023 Languedoc vintage.

Generous, ripe and full-flavoured Languedoc red, ripe and fruity, round and plummy in a vintage where very low yields concentrated flavours in the juice. Château Sainte Eulalie is an outstanding 34-hectare estate spread over the Aude Valley, on the south side of the Montagne Noire. Since 1996 it has been run by Laurent and Isabelle Coustal who are responsible for its excellent reputation.

A rather lovely, full and fruity red from musketeer country in south-west France. Syrah and the more local tannat work well together here.

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.