The grapes are destemmed on arrival at the cellar and put directly into the pneumatic press whereby the fresh harvest is then pressed with great care. The fermentation then takes place with strict temperature control and the operation of mutage can begin, which is the addition of alcohol to the must used to halt fermentation to keep the desired sweetness. A long aging in an oxidative medium (in 225 litre oak barrels) for several years has allowed the development of the aromatic characteristics of this exceptional wine.

This Rivesaltes is a blend of 65% Grenache Blanc, 30% Macabeu and 5% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains producing a fortified wine not too dissimilar to that of tawny port or Madeira, both in wine style and wine law. All Rivesaltes wine must be aged for a minimum period of 16 months prior to release. This Hors d’Age (‘Very old’ in English) has plenty of characteristics associated with finely aged fortified wine: dried fruit such as raisins, prunes and apricots, toffee and caramel, cream, toasted nuts, sweet spice such as cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. This is a deliciously strong sweet wine from top producer Chateau Lauriga and is a superb example of quality French fortified wine.

Maury may be an appellation more famed for its sweet red wines, but this dry red is an absolute triumph. Maury's key variety is Grenache, and that makes up the bulk of the blend here, with a little Carignan added to add additional layers of flavour. On the nose there is a slightly floral note of violets alongside more fruity tones, however on the palate it is layers of dark autumnal fruit with a hint of sweeter raspberry that dominate. It is full bodied and richly textured and on the finish there a gentle spiciness that just adds to the appeal.

This is an exceptional red that should appeal to lovers of classic southern Rhone reds as well as those from Roussillon.

No added sulfites wine.

This exceptionally well priced red from Chateau des Jaume (one of the famous estates of the Roussillon region) is a delight. It's brimming with ripe autumnal hedgerow fruit, with a hint of roasted herbs in the background. The wine is a blend of three grape varieties (Syrah, Grenache and Carignan) and is made without the addition of sulfites.