The Languedoc continues to over deliver on quality and value, and the wines of Domaine de la Cendrillon in Corbières are wonderful examples.

The Joyeaux family have been making wine here since 1750 and today combine centuries of vineyard know-how (!) with top-spec wine making equipment, to produce some glorious old-vine red and rosé.

Robert Joyeaux took the reins in 2005, converted the estate to organic and has gradually established it as one of the region’s most exciting producers.

The Classique is a blend of old-vine Grenache, Syrah and a little bit of Mourvèdre (for added intensity and structure). It is unoaked, medium - full bodied, and very smooth in style with plenty of blackcurrant and raspberry fruit, as well as notes of coffee and a slight pepperiness from the Syrah.

Offered: July 2017

Price was: £14.95 bottle | £30.95 magnum

Alcohol: 14%

Vintage report: A challenging vintage in the Languedoc with winter drought and hail meaning yields were down. September rains then caused trouble for later ripening grape varieties. Overall though, some very good wines were made, particularly by those who triaged carefully at harvest.

Drinking window: 2017 – 2020.

Food matching: Drink with barbecued red meats, game, country-style pâté, hard cheeses.