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 For party wines, there’s an amazing value-for-money sparkling wine made at Languedoc’s Limoux co-operative Sieur d’Arques. Try their Crémant Brut Cuvée Royale (if you’re based in the UK, you can find it at Waitrose at £6.99). Made the same way as Champagne, using the 'Méthode Traditionnelle', this is an excellent, inexpensive alternative, perfect for greeting guests and matching with fancy canapés. Another aperitif option is rosé: the fresh and fruity Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Syrah Grenache 2006 goes down well (available in the UK from Tesco at £6.99). A dry style of rosé, this wine exudes the flavours and scents of the Mediterranean and would work wonders with simple tapas-style dishes like marinated peppers and olives.
The Languedoc’s climate is perfect for white grapes, and the region’s winemakers produce vintages that are ideal with fish and seafood. One great example from the Côteaux du Languedoc area is the 2006 Picpoul de Pinet from Domaine Félines-Jourdan (available from The Wine Society – www.thewinesociety.com - at £5.99). This is a fresh, full-flavoured white which tastes of apple and ripe pear fruit, with a touch of spice - splendid with oysters and a dash of lemon.
 When it comes to reds, Languedoc offers an abundance of interesting, unusual wines made by young and dynamic producers, such as the Mont Tauch Corbières 2006 (£4.99 from Somerfield) or the Saint Chinian ‘Les Roches Noires’ 2004 (Tesco, £6.99). The Corbières is modern and fruity with light spice overtones, while the Saint Chinian displays intense aromas and flavours of red berry fruits with a rich, silky palate and a long, smooth, finish. Either would be the perfect partner for red meats, game casseroles and characterful cheeses.
Fancy more of a splurge? The Languedoc can produce quality premium wines to compete with the likes of Burgundy and Bordeaux. If rich, meaty herbal dishes are on the menu, try the lovely St Chinian le Mas au Schiste 2001 from Domaine Rimbert (available to order from Languedoc specialist Terroir Languedoc – www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk – for £10.76). This rich, finely textured wine is a good match for lamb with rosemary, or Daube provençale. Another great red is the Faugères 2004 from Gilbert Alquier (available in the UK from Booths Supermarkets at £8.79). A Decanter medal winner, this has sultry fruit and dense texture, with a touch of southern spice, whilst retaining a certain elegance.
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