Languedoc-Roussillon

The vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon form a horseshoe around France’s central Mediterranean coast from Provence in the east to the Pyrénées in the west. Yet lady luck has only recently begunto smile on this region.

Once awash in a sea of 'vin ordinaire' the Languedoc-Roussillon was heavily damaged by the part it played in the creation of France’s famous wine lake. But the tides have been turned, and the homogenous lagoon drained, to reveal pockets of land with extraordinary regional qualities.

In an area where France meets Spain, maritime meets mountain, Bordeaux meets the Rhône and the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, diversity is astounding. Wines range from the zesty whites of Picpoul de Pinet, (from the old Occitan, 'lip-stinger' - perfect in a region famous for oysters) to the supple chocolatey-rich reds of Cabardès, where Mediterranean sunshine is cooled by Atlantic breezes, and Merlot blends blissfully with its eastern neighbours Syrah and Grenache.

The quality of Vin de Pays has also increased beyond recognition, but luckily again, the prices have not.