As this is the first time I present you, wine-lovers, with one of my favourites. I’m in something of a quandary. Do I propose to you a great but hitherto undiscovered treasure or shall it be one of the dependable-at-a-fair-price wines that abound here in the Languedoc. I’ll go for the “treasure”.

Peyriac is a small town in the Minervois close to, but not quite within, the sub-AOC known as Minervois La Liviniere. To give you an idea that’s rather like the relationship between a Beaujolais and a Beaujolais Village.

The vineyards within the Minervois La Liviniere are primarily on hilly ground rather than the flat. I first met Chateau de Peyriac a couple of years ago as the 1999 bottling. Fruity and complex with a good touch of oak that benefits from decantation an hour ahead of your meal.

At around £3.50 (in France) it won’t bust your pocket. Now, in 2005, they’re selling the 2000 at just £4.00: it’s good discipline to keep the wine for four years before releasing to market.

Definitely a “BUY”.