Most of the white varieties are grown across the region, with large plantings of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc joined by the more floral Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. Balance is everything, as ripeness is normally easy to achieve but has to be balanced by acidity. There is also a lot of Grenache Blanc which is delicate and light.

Again, across the region most of the major varieties are planted plus quite a few that you don’t hear of very often. Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet and Grenache are widespread, with Mourvedre and Carignan adding intensity and interest. Blends are common, combining textures and flavours and the wide variety of styles of wine found across the region.

The region is enormous and varied, with top vineyards across the area, as well as more basic Vins de Pays in between.

Better known areas include Fitou, Minervois, Corbieres and Cotes de Roussillon. Each of these top vineyard areas, known as an ‘Appellation Controllée’, has its own rules on grape varieties and yields, styles and ageing. On top of all these, you find the catch-all Vins de Pays which are usually labelled with a grape variety. Here you’ll find many of the well known brands such as La Baume, French Connection and Piat d’Or.

There are too many producers to single out any particular one. There are many fascinating winemakers who bring their passion for life into their wines, in both large and small companies.

A trip to this area is usually one long race between one producer to the next with vast tastings of not only the big brands, but also for our own-label blends. These tastings are exciting, vibrant and exhausting, and I love it.

The food is just as varied, with the freshest seafood you can find, contrasted by the rich meat dishes of the Gascogne.

Languedoc Roussillon can provide every style of wine for any taste or occasion. If you like light floral whites, try one of the Cotes de Gascogne from the west, or the single varietal (named grape) vins de pays such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Single variety reds such as Syrah (or Shiraz as they are starting to use on the labels), Merlot and Cabernet are usually full of typical ripe berry fruit.

Across the region you find more blends with the varieties named on the back label, usually blended from Grenache, Merlot, Shiraz, Carignan and many others. The wines can be inky black, with lots of oak and intensity, examples are those from the Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon areas. In Corbieres and Coteaux de Languedoc, wines are medium bodied and full of cherry and spice.