THE WINES AND VINYARDS OF THE LOCAL AREA

For many people a major attraction of a French holiday home is the opportunity to taste the local wines. The wines of the South-West offer both great variety and quality and are increasingly excellent value for money. There is also much enjoyment to be gained from visiting the local growers who are usually welcoming and will discuss their wines extensively if you show the slightest enthusiasm.

The red wines are of particularly high quality but several good whites are appearing if you know where to look. Those who are members of the IEC Wine Society will find a number of wines from their lists locally although we would recommend an extra few francs to obtain the higher quality wines which will give a taste not available from the standard lists. The specific wines described below are our favourites and thus reflect our personal tastes.

There are many wine guides and tasting routes available at the gite which offer alternative vineyards.

At Montlaur M Christian Baillat figures regularly in the Hachette wine guide. Domaine Baillat offers Syrah dominated, deeply coloured high quality reds. You are assured of a warm welcome at all times.

Castelmaure, spectacularly situated in the high Corbieres, nestling in spectacular scenery makes a pleasant trip in addition to the excellent wines.

MINERVOIS

The village of La Liviniere offers a host of excellent vineyards. Domaine Piccinini offers a variety of wines. Especially recommended is the 100% Syrah 'Line et Laetitia' taken from older vines in a high corner of one field.

Nearby Chateau Gourgazaud offer a fine tasting experience. The traditional cellar is down a flight of 30 steps in a corner of the terrace. The reds are very good and if you are exceptionally lucky you might find some of their superb Viognier before it sells out. The Chardonnay is exceptional too.

We would suggest Chateau de Jau, which also boasts a good quality restaurant. Apart from the generic wines of the area the fortified wines from the village of Maury are worth seeking out.

MALEPERE

This is the nearest area to Mayreville, being about 20 minutes drive away, and is of such quality that it is currently seeking AOC status. There are many good growers among whom are Domaine de Matibat, Caves du Razès, and particularly the Chateau de Routier where Madame Lézaret's medieval cellar is a great experience.

In the middle of the region the restaurant Le Fricassou at Belvèze du Razès offers an ideal opportunity for mid-day or evening meals.

The sparkling wines of Limoux are an excellent, and equally traditional, alternative to Champagne. The wine is made from the Mauzac grape and most producers offer tastings. The most prominent producer is Aimery, the Cave Cooperative de Limoux, in the centre of the town.