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.

Chenin Blanc is a neglected star grape that shines not only in the Loire, but also in the high slopes of Limoux. There you'll find grower Bruno Bouché tending his extensive patchwork of vineyards, with his wife and three sons. The family is from Champagne, they still have 3 hectares there, but they moved to the Languedoc in 1989 to carry on making award-winning sparkling wines that were more affordable. The grape quality from his beautifully tended vineyards is superb, which is why Chai winemaker Mark Hoddy every year reserves a vat of his Chenin Blanc.

Cool fermented with regular lees stirring, the wine has a creamy richness balanced by intense lemony zip. Le Masque is a fabulous white to enjoy solo or with seafood, noodles or chicken.

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.

Rex Mundi is a sumptuous red that always fires the senses.