Mont Tauch is the largest co-operative in Fitou, southern France and their Cellar Reserve Terroir d’Altitude Vieilles Vignes is made from grapes grown at high altitudes on old vines. The grapes from 100 year old Carignan, Grenache and Syrah vines growing on steep sided slopes at an altitude of 500 metres are hand-picked, sorted then fermented and aged for nine months in oak barrels, which brings out this new wine’s distinctive character. Interestingly, we are told that Mont Tauch is a leader in sustainability in France, ensuring that most of its 200 plus growers produce grapes that are grown using environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.

The label boasts that the wine has ‘ripe fruit aromas with hints of spices and vanilla on a rich lightly oaked finish’. We were drawn to this well presented wine and it has a beautifully deep dark ruby colour in the glass, as you breathe in its bouquet you get good red berry and forest fruit notes as well as a slight sharp edge. On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine has deep red fruit flavours coming through, echoing its bouquet, it is beautifully soft and strokes your tongue, as it reveals a hint of peppery spice and a little acidity. There are slight dry tannins in its finish and the wine has good length of flavour on the palate.

We tried the wine on its own, naturally and then with a meal of gammon steak and salad. It worked well both with and without food, though its softness was greatly enhanced by the meat. With the barbeque season well under way, this wine would be a good accompaniment to most meat dishes and can stand up to bold flavours like the saltiness of our gammon steak.

The Mont Tauch Fitou is available Morrison’s at £7.99 which is good price for this lovely wine, it is versatile and should be on your shopping list this summer.