Wine Region: Languedoc

(2026) What a lovely, rich and ample, but fresh and succulent white this is from southerly varieties Roussanne, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. Organically certified, the wine opens with honeysuckle, wax, golden delicious apple and a suggestion of ripe yellow plum. In the mouth there is nuttiness from lees ageing (but not oak) and the Roussanne/Marsanne give weight and texture while the Grenache adds sliced apple and lemon cut to balance. Nicely pitched with fruit, nuttiness and savoury character all in check.

(2026) I note the bottle image on Caves de Pyrene's web site shows a screwcapped wine, but this and the sister white were closed with DIAM corks and sealed with wax on my bottles. It is Carignan, Syrah and Grenache, made in stainless steel. Aromatically it is 'vinous', with vine fruits, plum and a little balsamic note. The palate is quite creamy and svelte, an endive character adds bite, Pontefract cake and Italian bitters. It's a taut, black-fruited wine with a bit of structure and serious character, but very sippable too.

(2026) Partner to the Bisou white, also reviewed, this organic Cinsault from the Languedoc weighs in with just 12.5% alcohol and bears a similar temperature-sensitive label to its partner: designed to be served chilled, the pair of lips on the label (Bisou means 'kiss') turn bright blue when the wine is cool enough. I really enjoyed this: it's a delicately fruity and spicy wine of low tannin, moderate acidity, and light to medium body that's all about summer freshness and vibrant crunch. It has a strawberries and cream character that brought a smile to my face. No UK retail stockists listed at time of review. Importer Hallgarten has the pink version, so maybe this will appear in time.

(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) 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.