Wines of the week

Sometimes, all we need is a decently priced bottle of fullsome red wine... so here are three from the south of France, all displaying skillful blending of the great diversity of grapes in the region...

From the Vacluse…

La Cote Sauvage, Cairanne, 2014

From a village in the Rhone Valley recently awarded cru status, putting it up there with illustrious names such as Crozes-Hermitage and Chateauneuf Du Pape, is a wine which blends the Syrah of the northern Rhone with the Carignan and Grenache more typical of the south. Full, rich and very smooth, but with touches of sweet spice on the finish. All tomato-based Mediterranean cuisine and, at this time of year, barbecued meats.

£11.99 robertsandspeight.co.uk;£12.00 danddwineshop.com

From the Herault…

Latoque Reserve 2015

Further south, a new wine produced by the reliable Les Vignobles Foncalieu co-operative representing many small growers, there is more Syrah here, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec – pepper, blackcurrents and chocolate in other words, with a touch of freshness and ripe fruit to balance these heavyweight grapes. Complex and enlivening – ideal for all roasted meats, but particularly a butterfly leg of lamb.

£10.99 bcfw.co.uk

From the Gard…

Terres de Moraines, Madiran 2013

Finally moving west to the Gard, where the Tannat grape has long made dense, black, tannic reds that can take years to reach drinkability. Careful winemaking under the auspices of M&S and some Cabernet Sauvignon has softened the tannins to craft a more contemporary, easily accessible wine, but still with plenty of heft, complexity and spice. Drink with a great steak, obviously or, as the locals, with a pink duck magret.

£9.50 Marks and Spencer