Le Papillon de Soie, Domaine Les Caizergues 2020

The name Le Papillon de Soie means the silk moth and is a reference to the silk industry which thrived in the Cévennes in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Merlot come together here in a well-rounded wine full of rich, fruity notes where cherries meet a hint of liquorice and with black olive and a touch of Sichuan pepper giving it just that little extra something. Weighty but not overbearing, it's got plenty of Languedoc character to go round.

A slow-cooked cassoulet is just the ticket here, with its richness drawing out the wine's depth of fruit rather nicely.

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.