Just across a small country road from Boutenac, where renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes his £40+ a bottle Corbières, is the village of Fabrezan. It boasts equally impressive, stony vineyards. It's where, in fact, Tony Laithwaite bought his first Corbières in 1971. Today young couple Amelie and Jean Baptiste work tirelessly, in evenings and weekends (after their day jobs as consultant winemakers), tending their ancient vines and making their cru quality Corbières.

The vines were planted by J-B's great grandfather, but until this young couple took over, all the grapes were sold to the local coop. J-B and Amelie took over in 2007, pieced together a tiny shed winery and starting making their own. This fabulous red is the result.

You’ll find no end of acclaim for the fine reds of Domaine de Mourchon. Master of Wine Jancis Robinson puts their wines “amongst the most interesting 5% of wine made today”. Top US publication, the Wine Advocate, who awarded their 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Tradition a glowing 90-92 point score, is even more effusive: “full-bodied, creamy and lush in the mouth, yet it remains lively, energetic and long on the finish," adding "These splendid cuvées are all worth buying by the caseload.”

It’s crafted by expert winemaker Sébastien Magnouac. He uses only the ripest fruit picked from old vines and his best oak barrels for ageing. A sumptuous, velvety red with dark fruit richness to partner with lamb or a hearty, herb-laden casserole.

Renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand makes his £40+ a bottle Corbières in craggy Boutenac. Just across a small country road is the village of Fabrezan and its equally amazing vineyards. It's where, in fact, Tony Laithwaite bought his first Corbières shipment back in 1971. Today young couple Amelie and Jean-Baptiste work tirelessly, in evenings and weekends (after their day jobs as consultant winemakers), tending their ancient vines and making their cru quality Corbières.

The vines were planted by J-B's great grandfather, a cellar built by his son, but more recently the grapes were all sold to the local coop. J-B and Amelie took over in 2007 and decided they could make something much better. This fabulous Grand Cru style is the result.

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.