The Languedoc is a vast area curling around the Mediterranean Sea from the Spanish border to the mouth of the Rhône. As one of the largest vineyards in the world, it produces every possible kind of wine from sparkling through to sweet. However, it is best known for its robust reds, usually made from a blend of local grapes including grenache, syrah, mourvèdre and carignan. These can be very good, and some offer fantastic value for money.
Cheap wine and over-production has always been a problem; despite various uprooting schemes, huge swathes of vines on flat vineyards going back from the coast produce large quantities of inexpensive wine. Many form part of the IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée), a loose term covering all sorts of wine, including most of the international varieties, such as cabernet, chardonnay, and syrah. Much of it is labelled as pays d’oc.
Generally speaking, as you move back from the sea, the terrain becomes more mountainous, and the wines become more interesting. While full-throttle reds are still common, some cooler regions can produce very elegant lighter wines as well as plenty of refreshing white wines. Some sub regions, such as Corbières, Minervois and Faugères, have been elevated to the superior Appellation Contrôlée status.
All of the wines below are made from a blend of various local Languedoc grape varieties. As well as the Luc Lapeyre, Wines Direct has the Domaine de l’Hortus (€39), one of the greatest wines produced in the Languedoc.
Specially Selected Vallée du Paradis Rouge 2024
13.5%, €8.99
Medium to full-bodied with jammy cassis fruit and a rounded finish. This would go nicely with posh burgers or ribs.
Aldi
Le Vin à Boire de Luc Lapeyre 2024, Organic
12%, €14.75
Light, fresh, juicy and smooth dark fruits with a spicy touch and a tannin-free finish. You could serve this lightly chilled at al fresco lunches and dinners.
Wines Direct
Mas Calamiac Minervois La Livinière 2022, Biodynamic
14.5%, €17.79
Ripe fresh dark forest fruits, with plenty of smooth power. Velvet in an iron fist? Fantastic value for money. Try it with herby roast pork or grilled lamb.
WineSpark.com
Faugères Les Rabasses 2020, Domaine la Sarabande
14.5%, €22
Very stylish, rich and rounded ripe dark fruits, with a lovely savoury twist and soft tannins. Perfect with roast or barbecued red meats and firm cheeses.
Matson’s, Grange, Bandon, Youghal, Co Cork; Whelehan’s, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin
