FRANCE

The Loire River starts it's 1000km journey in the Ardeche, southern France, flowing North before turning west at Orleans. Viticultural intrigues range from little known Gamay production in Côtes Roannaise to famed Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre.

The Languedoc’s secrets are obscured by a mess of appellations, muddling the distinction between overcropped oceans of wine and incredible old vine material in the harsh, windswept foothills of France's Massif Central. At it's best the secrets of this vast region are powerful, elegant and exceptional value for money.

The Roussillon is formerly part of Catalonia which was split in two between modern day France and Spain. Home to France's Catalan population, it is a complex, unique Mediterranean region with wines that speak of Iberia, steep schist slopes and the foothills of the Pyrenees. The powerful, elegant dry wines of Collioure make Priorat seem raisined while the sweet reds of Banyuls out class Port any day.