Cuvee Royale, Crémant de Limoux comes from the Languedoc region of France, which is steeped in wine making history dating back to the 5th century BC when the Greeks first introduced grape vines and their cultural practices. Sparkling wines have been created in this part of France since 1531, some 100 years before the Champagne region.

The Sieur d’Arques vineyard, drawing on this long local history, have been creating wines since 1946. The limestone clay soil, which the vineyard occupies, is planted 200-500m above sea-level, this and the local temperate microclimate both contribute to the character of the wines produced there.

Made from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin and 10% Pinot Noir grapes, Cuvée Royal Crémant De Limoux is a rich, bone-dry sparkling wine with a big character. This full-flavoured Crémant has fresh sharp acidic green fruit notes on the nose and when it comes to drinking it, your mouth is treated to an array of flavours that come through on the palate. Cuvee Royal has a great fresh tangy acidity, green apple flavours first shine through followed by citrus and sharp green grapes. The lovely tanginess of the wine is enhanced by a good medium to strong bubble and it leaves a good length of tangy fruity flavours on the tongue. It is a real pleasure to drink.

This fresh, clean tasting Crémant would make a great aperitif. It is also an excellent choice for drinking well chilled on a hot summer’s day while relaxing in the garden or having a picnic in the park. It would also make a good accompaniment to richer and stronger tasting foods, as diverse as smoked salmon and chocolate puddings, as its acidity would cut through and give your mouth a good fresh tangy workout contrasting with the food. Let your imagination run riot, this is a lovely, versatile wine that is crying out to be drunk.

Sieur d’Arques Cuvée Royale Crémant de Limoux can be found at your local Waitrose, where it retails at £8.99 a bottle, an affordable price for a great, big character wine that would suit any occasion.