Eric Texier, Chat Fou, Vin de France 2022

This easy-going red is all about bright red fruit - think cherries and plums. It's a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and a splash of Clairette, all organically grown on sunny slopes in the Ardèche. The winemaker keeps things simple - native yeasts, concrete tanks, hardly any tinkering at all. It's bottled without filtering or fining, with only a whisper of sulphur. No wonder it has a bit of a cult following - there's a lovely freshness and pure fruit flavour that makes it incredibly easy to drink.

Just the right thing is this cheerful red for a tasty bit of grilled lamb and roasted aubergine when you've got friends around.

Éric Texier, an ex-nuclear engineer turned Rhône Valley vigneron, has an honest, unfussy approach to winemaking. His focus lies in coaxing out the unadulterated essence of his vineyards, particularly in the forgotten appellation of Brézème, where he's become a leading force. Working organically, Texier favours whole bunches, wild yeasts, and open-top fermenters, letting the traditional character of the Northern Rhône shine through. His wines aren't about flamboyance or heavy-handed extraction. Instead, they offer a transparent window into the region's unique terroir, a glimpse into the way wines were crafted in times past.