2012 Les Vignes Oubliées, Terrasses du Larzac

At altitude, under crystal clear skies, cool air descending from the Larzac Plateau meets the warming influence of the Med – the resulting diurnal range of up to 20°C might be expected in Mendoza, but is remarkable just 40km from Montpellier. Such a propitious climate, as well as a bounty of soil types (and access to grape varieties to suit each one) and a wine industry not beholden to tradition make this one of France’s most exciting new AOCs.

Les Vignes Oubliées is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and a miniscule amount of Cinsault. Aromas of kirsh, liquorice, tapenade and blackcurrants lead, irresistibly, to a concentrated, well-structured palate, with firm tannins and red and black fruit flavours at its core. There’s a lick of black pepper on the finish. Unmistakeably Mediterranean, but with a refreshing acidity that points northward to the mountains.