Take a minute to read the (literally thousands of) 5-star online reviews for Cabalié. This one is typical: “When my time comes to shuffle off this mortal coil, this is the wine I want in that final glass. It is simply, utterly, indescribably fantastic.” Its secret? It’s crafted by a master winemaker, Hervé Sabardeil, following the centuries-old style beloved of Roman centurions, who first made wine there. Raspberry-rich Grenache, with herby Syrah and Carignan, Cabalié has impressive concentration.

That’s due to the maturity of the vines, most well over 50 years old. The tiny berries they produce give Cabalié extraordinarily rich, ripe flavours. Boasting 8 Golds in as many vintages, this much-loved red is warming solo or with hearty dishes.

Hervé Sabardeil, our winemaker with limitless talent, has been making Cabalié, the big, ripe Catalan red, for over 15 years. He added the old-vine (Vieilles Vignes) edition in 2011, originally as a one off, but it was so popular we insisted he did it again. And again! The magic to this punchy red is really in the vines. At 60 to 100-years-old, yields are minute (about half of a Grand Cru claret). As a rule of thumb, the smaller the yield, the more concentrated the fruit, the more flavoursome the wine!

That’s why we call it Cabalié’s Big Brother. Still made in the same style that was beloved by the Roman centurions and now our customers too, it packs even more flavour than the original. Ideal with garlic-roasted lamb, rich stews or cheese.

The Chapoutier name is synonymous with some of the finest wines of the Rhône. The family founded an estate in the north of the region, in prized Hermitage, in 1808 and it has stayed in the family since. Michel Chapoutier took charge in the 1980s, introducing braille on his labels, single vineyard wines and meticulous biodynamic methods. His adventurous spirit made him look further afield for great estates and in 2000 he bought Bila-Haut in the Roussillon. Terroir is of the utmost importance to him and his wines must taste real!

This is a gloriously expressive red using Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from his rugged Roussillon vineyards. With silky black cherry, bramble fruit and spice, this is a top wine for roast meats or a rich cassoulet.

Domaine Saint Michel is a small family run estate that for years has been supplying grapes to the mighty Chapoutier. One of the most prestigious names in the valley, Chapoutier would snap up the whole vintage to add richness to their own Côtes du Rhône. When new generation Vincent took over, he dearly wanted to bottle his own. He knew it was more than good enough.

Well, the beautiful property does lie close to top crus Rasteau, Vinsobres and Cairanne. It shares the same stony soils and arid climate as its neighbours and produces from 40 year old vineyards small concentrated grapes. That’s all the better for flavour and richness. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan combine in this tasty red. It's great on its own or with pasta with pesto, or chops.

Provence’s rosés have long been popular with the many tourists who flock to the region every year. Yet they offer much more than a holiday tipple. They can have real elegance and complex fruit, too. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising as Provence has an ideal climate for this refreshing style, with twice as much sunshine as London – yet relatively moderate temperatures even in the height of summer.

This delightful pink is from the Bréban family’s small domaine in the Côte d’Azur. Their vineyards are surrounded by wooded hillsides and have a south facing aspect with excellent, well drained soils to help fruit concentration. Rounded with savoury, subtle fruitiness, it’s spot on with poached salmon, salt and pepper squid or a spicy stir-fry.

Provence rosés are renowned for being some of the very finest. With lovely berry fruit and freshness, as well as a sophistication you'd expect of a region frequented by the rich and famous. Many tourists flock there every year too, to enjoy the sun, sea and beaches. Indeed, Provence has an ideal climate both for tourists and for growing vines. The region enjoys twice as much sunshine as London – yet relatively moderate temperatures even in the height of summer.

This delightful pink is from the Bréban family’s small domaine in the Côte d’Azur. Their southfacing vineyards are surrounded by wooded hillsides, with well drained soils. The result is a fine pink with subtle berry fruit. Spot on with salmon, salt and pepper squid or simple sipping.