Wine Region: Languedoc

(2026) A blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20%, Syrah  and 10% Cinsault from Mediterranean red sandstone, this is fermented with wild yeast and matured for 15 months in stainless steel tanks. The nose is immediately firm and svelte, a taut black fruit character like black cherry and plum skin with a hint of mulled wine spices. Taut and juicy on the palate, this maintains that supple, smooth black fruit character, the tannins super-fine and the acid integrated a balancing elegantly. What a lovely wine, and well-priced for this quality and refinement.

(2026) A Pays d'Oc Merlot made by the Foncalieu co-op for Tanners, this quite intense crimson red wine has attractive cherry and juicy red plum aromas, touched by a little oak I think, but showing a nice buoyant character. In the mouth a little espresso and chariness, the tannins roughening the surface but the overall balance pretty good. Arguably the tannin/acid axis overpowers the finish very slightly.

(2026) It's Albariño, but it is not from Rias Baixas. In fact, it's not from Spain at all, but from the Foncalieu co-op in the Languedoc. A little more gold to the colour than might be typical of the variety, and ripe, golden delicious apple fruit on the nose along with a wisp of jasmine. It is vivacious on the palate, with plenty of lemony punch that is actually a little strident for me: it's lively but the acidity maybe just sparks a little too much.

(2026) An organic wine that's part of a range titled 'Artisans Partisans', led by producer Pierre Bories and each of the wines with strong eco credentals in vineyard and winery. This is a blend of Grenache Gris and Cinsault from Corbières. This fashionably pale wine packs a fair aromatic punch. Red fruit and orange are highlighted by a touch of citrus and florals. The palate too has plenty of fruit and a razor sharp acidity. It is fruity, but has some savoury, delicately spicy bite too. Nicely done.

(2026)

A fun label on this wine, Bisou meaning 'kiss' in French and a pair of luscious lips on the label change colour from pea green to deep blue when the wine in the fridge has reached the correct drinking temperature. What's in the bottle is a Pays d'Oc Chardonnay that's very pleasing, in a broadly Macon-Villages style. Minimal (or no?) oak means it is about fresh, ripe orchard fruit and lime aromas and flavours, a touch of buttery creaminess and texture, and a fresh, appetising finish with a citrus juiciness. No UK retail stockists listed at time of review, but importer Hallgarten gives an RRP of £16.25

(2026) A Languedoc Pays d'Oc blend of Grenache Noir (80%) and Cinsault (20%), this is pretty and floral with plenty of cherry and strawberry fruit and a pear drop and lemon brightness. In the mouth it treads a very Provence-like line, perhaps with an ounce more upfront fruitiness, but cleansing citrus acidity means bags of cut and freshness.

(2026) The top cuvée from this Languedoc estate is a serious wine, part fermented in new French oak barrels and a blend of Grenache from volcanic terroir, plus 15% Roussanne. The colour is only just shading into pink - at first glance I would have sworn it was white. Delicious almond and cashew-touched aromas of stone fruits and citrus. A creaminess of texture is surely down partly to the barrels, but also the Roussanne component too. The effect is to give a sumptuous character, though still riven by excellent acid balance. A very lovely wine, richer than many pinks, and gastronomic. One of this year's stars.

(2026) An organic certified wine from the Languedoc, and a hillside site overlooking a meteor crater. The colour is a darker shade of still pale pink, in a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. A touch of pear drop from cold ferment gives way to bright and cheerful cherry and cranberry, a tight, red fruit aroma. The palate has a sweet creaminess of fruit, but the wine is dry, and really quite powerful with a good level of concentration and plenty of acidity to cut the generous fruit and texture. That ups its gastronomic credentials compared to some Provence sippers.

(2026) Not from Katie Jones own domaine Jones, but made with fruit sourced from the local cooperative, mostly very old vine Carignan in the blend. Deep and vibrant crimson, there's a perfume to the nose, subtle rose and violet, and the sense of crunchy red fruits with a little smoky spice. Sweet fruited on the palate, perhaps a touch of residual sugar, but there's a breeziness to the acid that cuts through the 14.5% alcohol, though that touch of heat and some tannin is felt right in the finish. A barbecue basher I'd say. Angels pay £13.99 but please note the vintage on sale has moved on to 2024.

(2026) Coming from the Languedoc, this is a blend of Morrillon (chardonnay), Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc. Green apple and citrus dominate the nose, perhaps a touch of lime and also lightly figgy background. It's quite unusual on the palate, being both lightly honeyed and having a slightly grippy directness to the acid. It is a little sweet too, and for me the acid jars a little against that slightly cloying quality of sweetness. Angels pay £11.99, but note the 2023 is now listed only in magnum, bottles have moved on to the 2024 vintage at time of publication.