Le XV is known to thousands as our ‘King of the Big Reds’. It owes its intensity to Grenache from vines, some over 100 years old, that grow on the rocky slopes of the Pyrenean foothills in the Montagne Noire and yield only tiny quantities of grapes. Le XV also benefits from the painstaking care of self-confessed southern French wine aficionado Mark Hoddy, whose draconian selection process sees him earmark in advance every vineyard he intends to harvest and micro-manage every stage of the winemaking. This takes time, but you can taste the result in every delicious glass!

Richly textured, with layers of ripe bramble fruit kept smooth by warming alcohol and soft, ripe tannins, this is a red to enjoy with roast lamb, steak or a hearty stew.

Provence is France’s premier rosé region and Domaine de Paris is one of its most stylish and elegant. A previous vintage even gained mention in the prestigious US journal Wine Spectator: “Very good – a wine with special qualities. Dry and refined, with dried berry and cherry flavors and plenty of minerally notes.” The estate has been owned since 1900 by three generations of the Brun family.

50 year old Syrah and Grenache vines produce fruit of superb concentration and impeccable purity. There’s a tantalising steeliness to the structure, a flinty backbone coupled with wild strawberries and a lovely savoury note. Fine Provence rosé is not just for summer! The locals enjoy it all year round, on its own or with seafood, chicken or ratatouille.

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.