L'Arbre d'Or, Domaine Les Caizergues 2018

Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre — the 'holy trinity' of Rhône reds — come together here, but with a Languedoc flavour. The cooler terroir of the Terrasses du Larzac gives it a tendency towards more freshness and spice than its Southern Rhône counterparts, but still with plenty of warmth and easy drinkability. Half the blend spends a year in oak, giving it a rounded and supple texture, with black cherry aromas leading into garrigue notes of thyme, rosemary, and a touch of lavender. The ripe fruit and earthy herbs sit comfortably together, balanced by a fine thread of spice and structure. A well-judged mix of richness and freshness, all tied up with a long, persistent finish.

Smoky barbecue ribs are a cracking match here, with the wine's spicy, ripe fruit notes playing nicely alongside those rich, caramelised flavours.

Domaine les Caizergues lies in the foothills of the Cévennes, about an hour north of Montpellier, and has been the passion project of British couple Pat and Bob Middleton since 2017. With just over 30 hectares of vines, they grow a range of classic Languedoc varieties, focusing on wines that truly reflect the local terroir. Their commitment to environmentally friendly practices is evident, with organic certification achieved in 2021. The Middletons' dedication to quality and sustainability shines in their wines that feel genuinely rooted in their rugged, sun-soaked corner of the Languedoc.