Winelands close to France’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline produce some impressively characterful and rewarding wines.
Today sees two excellent examples of that point – and which are currently available at especially attractive prices at a High Street near you.
Both come from appellations where ancient winemaking traditions meet a modern commitment to genuine quality.
The first is a richly textured southern Rhône white, the second a bold and versatile Languedoc red.
Together they make a compelling case for exploring these gloriously varied wines from still often underrated parts of France.
For the fleet of foot, there is also a Bonus Item from much further away – but today is the last day of its discounted price.
As usual, pictures and – where possible – hyperlinks appear as part of the recommendation.
Starting with the White
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Esprit des Trois Pierres Costières de Nimes Blanc
Why should I buy it? Nîmes is world-famous for Roman architecture, but its winemakers deserve equal attention. Straddling the boundary between Languedoc and the Southern Rhône, they produce whites of distinctive, food-friendly depth.
What does it taste like? Rounded in texture and generous in aromatics, it offers apricot, pear and floral flavours lifted by zesty lime acidity and an appealing savoury, nutty finish.
Where, how much and what abv? £8 – down from £10 until 23 June – at Waitrose, 13.5% abv
And moving on to that versatile Red
Which wine should I buy? 2024 Les Emblémes François Plessis
Why should I buy it? Not many £8 bottles can hold their own equally well at a dinner party as with the barbecue. This robust Languedoc red, however, is fully equipped for both tasks.
What is it like? Inky and brooding in appearance with a bold, smoky nose, it delivers concentrated prune and dark spice flavours underpinned by robust tannin and well-judged acidity, with intriguing hints of graphite, black pepper and brown sugar.
Where, how much and what abv? £8 – down from £10 until 23 June – at the Co-op, 13.5% abv.
BONUS ITEM
If you are in Tesco today, do pick up a bottle of 2024 All Good Things Shiraz but note that its Clubcard promotion price (of £7.50) ends at midnight.
Normally priced at £10, this illustrates how elegant and restrained Western Australian shiraz can be.
Dark with enticing chocolate, herbal and berry aromas, it provides full-bodied red wine centred on ripe blackcurrant, bramble and prune flavours.
These are partnered by firm tannin, gentle acidity and touches of tobacco and liquorice.
See you again next Monday for yet more great value options.
6 responses
Thanks for the urgent call on that Tesco Aussie Shiraz.
My cherry red – similar to a Ferrari- Ford Fiesta Eco Boost is already revving to go to the Tesco ball, but like Cinders ,I must be back before midnight!
Just to give mention that the Guild will reach a milestone of 50 Newsletters this Wednesday and Dave is writing about Sparkling Rioja and Keith about an unusual grape.
In the meantime ,it seems my article on Alentejo Wines & Failed Nuns has caused some amusement!
Well done on reaching that Newsletter milestone. The site offers an impressively eclectic range of content including, as you say, naughty nuns and sorely tempted monks.
Hi Brian,
Interesting how, even 5 years ago, I would mostly avoid Australian wines. Now my expectations are that their wines will be good value and elegant – possibly even under-stated.
Who would have known!
It didn’t take long after that country’s switch towards unoaked chardonnay to begin applying the same restraint to red wines – often returning to cooler-climate regions, picking earlier, and using less aggressive oak in their Shiraz.
Really enjoyed the Languedoc Brian
2 bottles insufficient so off to fill space in the rack
Thanks
Really pleased to hear it, Nick. It is an easy bottle to walk past on the shelf, yet provides a style that captures so many of the good things about wine from the South of France.