Over the last 50 years we have forged very close relationships with some of the finest small family estates in France.
That means exquisite, hand-selected wines with tiny volume from top appellations can be yours for less. So today, 12 simply ‘magnifique' best-buys from Southern France at just $99 a bottle – but only if you're quick!
Here's a cracking red from Hervé Sabardeil, winemaker behind favourites Cabalié to Chante Clair. He discovered 30-year-old Malbec in the Languedoc. The grapes were top quality, begging to be vinified solo. The upshot: a seductive ripe red.
Be quick if you want this authentic, tiny production, richly flavoured Corbières. It's from right next door to Corbières Cru, Boutenac, and a family estate with century old vines of Grenache and Carignan. Sumptuous, rich and generously spiced.
Rex Mundi is a sumptuous red that always fires the senses. A devilishly delicious blend of spice-laden, lip-staining Shiraz and raspberry-rich Grenache from very deep in southern France. Irresistible for lovers of exceedingly dense reds.
Exceptional southern French red, with a touch of Pomerol class! Faugères is one of the finest and best-loved appellations of the Languedoc, as you'll taste in this authentic, herbal-scented 2016, made by a former 100pt Pomerol winemaker.
The name 'Vertiges' translates as 'fear of heights'. Apt for a wine made from grapes gathered on precipitous slopes by Peyrepertuse Castle. 500m above sea level on a ragged Pyrenean peak, the vines produce a wine with luscious, ripe flavour.
A real flavour of southern France in this fabulous, rich, spiced red from an exceptional area. Its vineyards weave through grand sites, whose top bottles fetch £30-40. Our Giant costs a mere fraction, but delivers every bit of dark fruit taste.
