The Languedoc

Adventures In Wine

Jason and David travel on a bibulous route to the deep south, to Jason's 'happy hunting ground': the Languedoc. Here, though they may be pushed to graze even a goat, vines will pop up through the gravel like daisies and the locals lawlessly blend their bounty with barely a nod to the oenological authorities in distant Paris. With so much variety on offer, our two adventurers are soon concocting a fantasy feast to accompany it: Their first course may be in every hipster hangout from here to Hackney, but Domaine Gaujal's lip-stinging Picpoul De Pinet is the reason why oysters were invented. And it'll cleanse your palate without rinsing your wallet, too. Second up, Domaine Roquemale's, Meli-Melo is a mellifluous mish-mash of bright berries and soft fruits and the surest way to sensualise your saucisson sec when you allez au pique-nique. But if one single wine can exemplify the Languedoc reputation for terrific wines at modest prices, it's Jason 's favourite, lip-smacking Saint Chinian from Château Milhau-Lacugue. It may be seen mingling with the big bottles at the Gavroche, but it'll goose up your home-made cassoulet without breaking the bank. Last up is Domaine Girard's tongue-ravishing, Malpère. Whether you can taste 'black fruit, cracked pepper and cinnamon' or a '6B pencil dipped in Ribena,' both Jason and David believe this wine is destined for greatness. You will be too, if you pair it with lamb.